NHL analyst opines Connor McDavid & Oilers "sorely needed" $7,200,000 signing after mass exodus of veteran forwards

NHL analyst Travis Yost believes the Edmonton Oilers needed to sign Andrew Mangiapane to address their forward departures.

Veterans Corey Perry, Evander Kane, Jeff Skinner, Viktor Arvidsson, and Connor Brown departed during the offseason. Mangiapane joined the Oilers on a two-year, $7.2 million contract as a free agent on July 1.

Yost highlighted Mangiapane’s consistent point production and noted that his addition would fill a void.

"The Andrew Mangiapane signing was sorely needed and filled a critical role in their middle six. Not only is he a regular point producer, here’s something else to consider: he’s never finished a season with a negative on-ice goal differential at even strength," Yost wrote in his TSN column.

Mangiapane is expected to bolster the Oilers' second or third line, contributing as a versatile winger who can score, forecheck effectively, and provide defensive stability.

Andrew Mangiapane opens up about playing on the top six with Edmonton Oilers

Andrew Mangiapane expressed confidence in his ability to play a top-six role. He stated he could adapt and fit into any role the coach assigns him.

"I think I'm capable,” he said via NHL. “I think last year was a little bit of a down year for me, but I think I could get right back to where I've been. I'm just excited to be given an opportunity... I could hopefully play with anyone and go up and down. There could be a good fit wherever the coach puts me.”

Mangiapane was drafted 166th overall by the Calgary Flames in 2015. He racked up 28 points through 14 goals and as many assists in 81 games with the Washington Capitals last season.