"The Oilers didn't make huge splashes in free agency, with their biggest addition being winger Andrew Mangiapane from Washington and Issac Howard brought in from Tampa Bay. Mangiapane will be a solid option on the wings in the Oilers top nine and has shown in the past that he's capable of a 25 to 30 goal season when put in the right position. Expect to see him used in all situations, and potentially seeing some action on the top line with McDavid throughout the season."
"Howard didn't want to sign with the Lightning, who took him 31st overall at the 2022 Entry Draft, so the Oilers jumped at the opportunity to trade for his rights. Head coach Kris Knoblauch said he isn't going to throw young talent into the deep end like years past, and with Howard, that may be the path forward. The 21 year old could be a great depth scoring option for the Oilers' bottom six group,"
The Edmonton Oilers entered the offseason after a second straight Stanley Cup final loss and face pressure to end a 35-year Canadian drought. General Manager Stan Bowman targeted free agents and young forwards to provide immediate impact, while the team may be in the final year of the Connor McDavid era in Edmonton. The Oilers traded Evander Kane and Viktor Arvidsson and added winger Andrew Mangiapane and Issac Howard. Mangiapane projects as a versatile 25-to-30 goal option and potential top-line winger with McDavid. Howard is expected to start as a depth scoring option in the bottom six. The team also acquired goaltender Connor Ingram, who struggled to a .887 save percentage in 22 games with Utah.
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