Maple Leafs Shouldn't Overlook This Fierce UFA Forward With Brad Treliving Ties
Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images
The Toronto Maple Leafs would be doing themselves a disservice if they were to ignore free agent Andrew Mangiapane this summer, as he could be a big help to the team.
Of all the big free agents names that are going to be available July 1, several smaller targets are equally as important to some teams given their need for being a role player and fulfilling a specific niche or hole that they happen to have.
The Maple Leafs sure could use a few of them as they undergo their identity change, and they should really look at adding one of Brad Treliving's former forwards to give them a boost.
Andrew Mangiapane a perfect bottom-six addition for Toronto
Mangiapane, 29, would be coming back home to Toronto where he was born, and also head back to play under his former GM once again.
Treliving had Mangiapane under his control during his time in Calgary, and with him looking for a new home this summer; it seems like a great match.
Toronto needs depth scoring and defensive help in their forward corps, and Mangiapane can offer both.
In 498 games, he has 243 points (123G, 120A) and while this season certainly wasn't his best with the Washington Capitals, he's managed a 35-goal season in 2021-22 and could easily contribute 15-20 goals in a two-way role.
Plus, coming home for a chance to win and being given an opportunity to rebound on a contending team that he has familiarity with is a big factor too, and he won't be expensive.
What will Andrew Mangiapane cost Brad Treliving and the Maple Leafs?
The cost to add a player like Mangiapane won't really run them much in terms of price, and with the team still debating on whether or not to splurge on a premium free agent, it's the perfect low-cost addition.
Mangiapane made $5.8M on his last deal, certainly a raise for his offensive contributions, but with an off-year in Washington, expect that price to drop.
It wouldn't be a bad idea to bring him in on a three-year deal worth $13.5M; it's a decrease in AAV ($5.8M to $4.5M) but it's more than enough time for him to get acclimated to the team and rekindle his offense, leading to a bigger payday down the road.
Plus, if Toronto is looking to move on from names like Calle Jarnkrok, Max Domi, and David Kampf; he would be a stark improvement offensively and bring the change Treliving wants for the team.
Clearly the Leafs GM heralded the forward in high regard and rewarded him handsomely. He could do so again, and provide Mangiapane a comfortable place to get back to his consistent output once again.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 16 | 497 ANSWERS Maple Leafs Shouldn't Overlook This Fierce UFA Forward With Brad Treliving Ties Should Toronto try and sign Andrew Mangiapane? | ||
| Yes | 235 | 47.3 % |
| No | 262 | 52.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
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