Oilers Shock NHL with Bold Double-Signings: Mangiapane and Lazar Make Major Impact

In a move that sent shockwaves across the NHL, the Edmonton Oilers have just signed not one, but TWO highly sought-after forwards—Andrew Mangiapane and Curtis Lazar—each bringing a unique skill set that could be the missing ingredient in their championship recipe. The Oilers, known for their potent offense led by McDavid and Draisaitl, have now added depth, grit, and versatility to their roster in a way that has raised eyebrows around the league.

But this isn’t just any regular signing. This is a calculated play by the Oilers to build a team that can not only dominate in the regular season but finally break through in the playoffs. These signings speak volumes about the direction the Oilers are headed: a team that is hungry for success and unafraid to make the necessary moves to get there.

With both Mangiapane and Lazar entering the fold, the Oilers are sending a clear message: they’re not just playing for a playoff spot—they’re playing for the Cup.

Let’s dive into why these two acquisitions are not just big, but potentially season-changing for Edmonton.

When news broke that Andrew Mangiapane was heading to Edmonton, Oilers fans couldn’t help but get excited. The Calgary Flames forward has long been known as one of the most well-rounded and versatile players in the league. His ability to contribute both offensively and defensively makes him an immediate upgrade to the Oilers’ roster, particularly in the middle-six forward group.

But what makes this signing so significant isn’t just Mangiapane’s skill—it’s his mindset. In a locker room filled with star power like McDavid and Draisaitl, Mangiapane brings a relentless work ethic and a blue-collar mentality that could complement the high-flying style of Edmonton’s stars.

Mangiapane’s reputation as a high-energy player who isn’t afraid to get his hands dirty could be exactly what the Oilers need in their pursuit of a Stanley Cup. The 27-year-old forward is a consistent scorer, having netted 20+ goals in three consecutive seasons with the Flames, and is often deployed in key situations—whether it’s killing penalties or providing a spark on the power play.

But his true value lies in his two-way play. Mangiapane is often praised for his ability to shut down opposing forwards while also contributing to his team’s offense. In a playoff series where the tempo can shift at a moment’s notice, a player like Mangiapane can be a difference-maker in crucial moments. His ability to score while also providing defensive stability could be the perfect fit on the Oilers’ second or third line, offering them much-needed balance.

As the Oilers look to build a more complete roster—one that’s not just built around offense but also built for battle in the postseason—Mangiapane could be the piece that takes their depth scoring to the next level.

Mangiapane’s speed, high hockey IQ, and relentless forecheck make him an ideal fit for the Oilers’ high-octane, fast-paced game. Known for his ability to pressure the opposition and win puck battles, Mangiapane will complement McDavid and Draisaitl’s speed and vision on the ice. Whether he’s skating circles around defenders or digging out pucks from the corners, Mangiapane’s style of play fits like a glove with the team’s offensive-minded approach.

For a team like the Oilers that thrives on fast transitions and explosive counterattacks, adding a player like Mangiapane—who can keep up with the pace and deliver when it counts—could push them from good to great.

But the Mangiapane signing wasn’t the only big move Edmonton made. The Oilers also secured Curtis Lazar, a veteran forward known for his gritty, physical play and strong penalty-killing abilities. Lazar, who has made a name for himself as a hard-hitting, defensive-minded forward, adds an element to the Oilers that has been missing for some time: toughness and leadership.

While Lazar may not be the flashiest player, his impact on a team’s identity cannot be understated. He is the kind of player who thrives in the trenches, fights for every inch of ice, and ensures that his team is ready to compete in the dirty areas of the rink. And in the playoffs, where emotions run high and every battle matters, Lazar’s brand of hard-nosed hockey is exactly what Edmonton needs.

Lazar’s value extends beyond his physicality. The 28-year-old forward has made several playoff appearances with both the Boston Bruins and the Vancouver Canucks, where he learned firsthand what it takes to compete in high-pressure situations. His playoff pedigree brings a level of experience that will be invaluable to an Oilers team that is hungry for postseason success.

Lazar knows what it takes to kill penalties, block shots, and contribute in the gritty areas of the ice. His experience in these high-stakes situations will provide depth and stability to Edmonton’s bottom-six forward group, which has been one of their weak spots in the past.

When the going gets tough in the playoffs, Lazar will be the type of player who isn’t afraid to go into the corner and battle for loose pucks, take a hit to make a play, or get his nose dirty in front of the net. And in the grind of a long playoff series, these small but significant plays can be the difference between advancing to the next round or falling short once again.

The additions of Mangiapane and Lazar are more than just roster moves—they signal a fundamental shift in Edmonton’s approach to team-building. The Oilers are no longer a one-dimensional offensive powerhouse. With these signings, they are positioning themselves as a more well-rounded, complete team.

Gone are the days of depending solely on McDavid and Draisaitl to carry the load. These new acquisitions provide secondary scoring, physicality, and leadership—three qualities that have often been lacking in Edmonton’s roster in recent years. By adding these pieces, the Oilers are acknowledging the need for a more balanced attack, one that can sustain success through all facets of the game: offense, defense, and special teams.

With Mangiapane’s scoring touch and two-way ability and Lazar’s leadership and grit, Edmonton is positioning itself as not just a team with the best offensive players in the league, but as a team capable of going the distance. The Oilers are now more dangerous than ever before, especially as they prepare for what could be a deep playoff run.

The moves to sign Mangiapane and Lazar further solidify the Oilers’ commitment to winning a Stanley Cup. McDavid and Draisaitl’s primes won’t last forever, and with the team now stacked with talent across all areas, the time to win is now.

The addition of these players not only boosts the team’s depth but adds an extra layer of grit, resilience, and postseason experience—something the Oilers have sorely needed. But with all these moves comes immense pressure. Edmonton has been knocking on the door for years, but until they win it all, they will always be considered a team with unrealized potential.

Now, the question is: can they handle the weight of expectation? McDavid and Draisaitl have made it clear they want to win, and with these new additions, they now have the team around them to do it. The pressure is on, but this team, with the likes of Mangiapane and Lazar, might just have the right mix of talent, heart, and experience to break through.

The Edmonton Oilers are no longer just a team with two superstars. They’re now a team with depth, grit, and the mindset of a contender. With the signings of Andrew Mangiapane and Curtis Lazar, the Oilers are sending a clear message: they’re hungry for a Cup, and they’re willing to do whatever it takes to get there.

These two players bring much more than just stats to the table—they bring intangibles. And in a league where those small but critical differences often determine the outcome of a season, the Oilers may have just secured the pieces they need to finally push through to glory.

As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Edmonton. With McDavid and Draisaitl leading the way, and Mangiapane and Lazar adding the depth and tenacity, could this be the year the Oilers finally make their return to the Stanley Cup Final?

Stay tuned—this could be the beginning of something special.