Report Reveals the Real Reason Andrew Mangiapane Turned Down the Maple Leafs

The NHL offseason is right in the thick of things, with the majority of the top free agents signed away or re-signing with their respective clubs. The Maple Leafs lost a few notable names, and traded away Mitch Marner in a last-minute deal to get some assets back.

It seems the team is looking to add a mix of big name talent and some smaller depth pieces, and the signings of Michael Pezzetta, Travis Boyd, Benoit Olivier-Groulx, and Villi Lettieri are sure to add not only some new faces, but a ton of physicality and passion.

One of those smaller pieces that was heavily linked to the Maple Leafs was Andrew Mangiapane, a former Brad Treliving player who would have fit perfectly in the bottom-six. He decided to sign with Edmonton instead, and fans were a bit irked that the team missed out on a pretty solid forward.

But according to NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman, speaking on his 32 Thoughts podcast, Mangiapane wanted to make sure he secured a deal, and that Toronto's insistence on moving some other players first got in the way:

It makes sense considering that Mangiapane might have been passed over in favor of some other names, and wanted to ensure he had a career path in place not only so he can enjoy the summer a bit, but to get his family and life figured out.

He's going from Washington to Alberta, quite the trip, and while he may have wanted to be closer, when he was presented an offer he couldn't really wait around; especially the chance to play with Connor McDavid and potentially contend for a Cup.

Mangiapane, 29, had 28 points in 81 games for the Capitals last season (14 goals, 14 assists) and is one of the more reliable bottom-six options. He's capable of hitting 15 goals per season, and does have a 35-goal campaign under his belt.

Toronto's patience has to be appreciated, given that the team is trying to find the right fits, not a quick fix but it does hurt they missed out on a player who would transition seamlessly into their system.

Not all hope is lost however, as though they have lost out on Mangiapane, it seems like something bigger is brewing in the background.