It’s been over a week since the free agency frenzy started. Most teams have been making moves and adding to their roster. However, the Calgary Flames have not had as much luck. With the loss of Johnny Gaudreau and the announcement that they will possibly be trading Matthew Tkachuk, the Flames have to re-evaluate where their team is at. They have had a glimmer of hope and that is what we will be discussing today. Andrew Mangiapane has let the team know that he would like to stay with Calgary long-term.
Forward Andrew Mangiapane Wants to Stay in Calgary
Andrew Mangiapane has expressed to the #Flames an interest in signing a longer term deal. His agent, Ritch Winter, will join me on the EF Show at 12 MT to discuss that & many other issues like Johnny & what Canadian teams can do to be more attractive destinations.@Sportsnet960
— Eric Francis (@EricFrancis) July 18, 2022
The Calgary Flames forward had his agent, Ritch Winter, tell Eric Francis on Sportsnet 960 that his client has proposed a deal that would keep him in Calgary on a multi-year deal. His agent goes on to state that “Andrew feels very comfortable with the coaching staff. He likes the management team here. He’s had a good experience.” With Tkachuk potentially leaving, this could allow Mangiapane to sign a bigger deal than originally anticipated. The 26-year-old forward is coming off a bridge deal, which was a two-year, 2.425 million dollar a year contract.
What Mangiapane Staying Means for the Flames
Though Mangiapane was a second-line forward for the Flames, he is a first-line worthy forward. His 35 goals in 82 games played were overshadowed by one of the most productive lines in the NHL, which was made up of teammates Gaudreau, Tkachuk, and Elias Lindholm. But Mangiapane held his own and proved that he is a valuable forward after having a career year.
His strong suits are his speed and his offensive instincts, which are the driving force for his success. Because the Flames are losing two of their top-line forwards, this gives Mangiapane the perfect opportunity to step up and fill part of the massive holes left in the roster. He played well in the system that coach Darryl Sutter ran, so a bigger role shouldn’t be much of a transition for the forward.
Mangiapane and Hathaway? Trending in Canada!#CGYvsVAN | #Flames pic.twitter.com/OkgZAKK58X
— Calgary Flames (@NHLFlames) March 24, 2019
