According to NHL insider David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, winger Andrew Mangiapane is likely headed for unrestricted free agency on July 1, following the expiration of his contract with the Washington Capitals.
In addition to this development, Mangiapane has made a change in representation, now signing with agent Allain Roy of RSG Hockey. This signals a key turning point in Mangiapane’s career as he looks for a fresh opportunity after a modest season in Washington.
Mangiapane’s Role Diminished in Washington After Peak Performance with Calgary Flames
Mangiapane was acquired by the Capitals last summer in exchange for a second-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. During the 2024–25 season, he was mostly deployed in a bottom-six role, averaging just over 13 minutes of ice time per game.
Despite limited usage, he managed to produce 28 points (14 goals, 14 assists) in 81 games. However, his role never expanded significantly, and he lacked the offensive deployment needed to boost his production closer to his earlier career highs.
Andrew Mangiapane (NHL)Mangiapane’s best NHL season came in 2021–22 while with the Calgary Flames. In that campaign, he scored a career-high 35 goals and totaled 55 points over 82 games. He was a regular fixture on both the power play and penalty kill and thrived alongside linemates Mikael Backlund, Blake Coleman, and Tyler Toffoli.
In contrast, his time with the Capitals saw him placed on a line with veteran Lars Eller, whose declining performance offered little support for a repeat of past success.
Capitals Prioritize Youth and Affordability Amid Tight Offseason Salary Cap Constraints
Cap space is a major factor in Washington’s off-season decisions. With just $9.375 million in cap room available, the Capitals are unlikely to re-sign Mangiapane, especially considering that his projected next contract is valued at around $3.83 million annually over two years, according to AFP Analytics. Instead, Washington may opt for younger, more affordable options, such as Ryan Leonard, who remains on his entry-level contract, to fill that lineup spot.
The Capitals are clearly focused on getting younger. With top prospects like Andrew Cristall, Ivan Miroshnichenko, Hendrix Lapierre, and Ilya Protas pushing for roster spots, the team is entering a new phase. These players, along with others like Ethen Frank, Bogdan Trineyev, and Henrik Rybinski, are expected to compete in training camp and potentially take over roles vacated by veterans like Mangiapane. The Capitals seem committed to building from within, and Mangiapane’s departure will create more opportunity for their rising stars.
