Insider confirms Oilers and Leafs discussed one-for-one trade of forwards

Insiders have long reported now that Andrew Mangiapane is looking for a fresh start elsewhere, and there could be a match in Toronto with his former GM Brad Treliving.

According to Oilers insider Jason Gregor, the Leafs and Oilers have discussed a trade that would swap two struggling forwards with Andrew Mangiapane and Mattias Maccelli.

If this deal was truly on the table for the Oilers, Gregor is right to say that it was a missed opportunity for Edmonton to not make this trade.

Maccelli found himself as a healthy scratch for the Leafs frequently early this season, but has since moved into the lineup regularly and has shown positive trends in his play again. He’s a 25 year old speedy, skilled forward who’s registered 5 points in his last 10 games with Toronto.

More importantly, the Oilers would’ve scored major cap savings by making the trade. Maccelli earns $3.425M this season, less than Mangiapane’s $3.6M salary - but the former is in the final year of their contract.

Offloading the second year of Mangiapane in exchange for an RFA would’ve worked. Not only that, but Maccelli would likely contribute much more to the Oilers than Mangiapane, who’s become a regular scratch.

Now that Maccelli is back in the lineup and playing top-six minutes with the Leafs, this trade is clearly off the table. It was a major missed chance for the Oilers to pass on this trade. Instead, they’ll likely have to pay a premium just to offload Mangiapane’s contract.

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