Insider reveals Oilers forward Andrew Mangiapane declined Leafs offer for one reason

GM Stan Bowman was clearly working on the signing late into July 1st as the team postponed their press conference 4 times before signing Mangiapane. The Oilers were trying to beat out other suitors, including the Toronto Maple Leafs.

NHL insider Nick Kypreos confirmed today that the Maple Leafs were one of top teams in pursuit of Mangiapane in free agency, but as a Toronto-born kid, he decided the noise in the market wasn't worth the contract.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have millions of dollars more cap space than the Oilers currently do, and were likely able to offer a larger contract for the former 35 goal scorer. It's very possible that Mangiapane took a lesser offer with Edmonton, just to avoid the circus in Toronto.

That said, there's still pressure to perform in Edmonton. The overall feeling of Oilers fans may be a lot more positive and optimistic than Leafs fans, but it's a highly educated hockey market that wants to see every player meet the standard - or to move on.

Mangiapane has struggled a bit coming back from a major shoulder surgery in 2023, but has shown promising results previously in his career and an upward trajectory since the injury.

The Oilers have got Mangiapane locked up at a great value contract, and just has to be a solid complementary player in the middle six. He's set up for more success in Edmonton than in Toronto, for sure.