The Edmonton Oilers have made a significant adjustment to their forward group, giving a vote of confidence to a player in need of a spark. Winger Andrew Mangiapane, who was a healthy scratch for the team's previous game, has been elevated to the second line. The move was reported following the team's morning skate on December 31, 2025.
A Swift Return to Prominence
After watching from the press box, Andrew Mangiapane finds himself in a prime position to reignite his season. He is slated to skate on the right wing alongside superstar centre Leon Draisaitl and left winger Vasily Podkolzin. This particular trio is not unfamiliar; they have shared ice time in the past with noted success. The promotion represents a clear opportunity for Mangiapane to contribute offensively and solidify his place in the Oilers' lineup.
Morning Skate Reveals New Combinations
The lines, as reported by Oilers insider Bob Stauffer, show a reshuffled deck for the team. The top unit remains intact with Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Connor McDavid, and Zach Hyman. Mangiapane's insertion creates the new-look second line. The bottom six forward combinations saw Mattias Janmark, Jack Roslovic, and Matthew Savoie together, while the fourth line featured Caleb Jones, Adam Henrique, and Trent Frederic.
On defence, the pairings were also confirmed:
- Mattias Ekholm with Evan Bouchard
- Darnell Nurse with Alec Regula
- Mitch Stastney with Declan Emberson
Connor Ingram was the goaltender taking the starter's reps in the net.
What This Means for Mangiapane and the Oilers
This lineup change is a crucial development for the Edmonton Oilers as they navigate the NHL season. For Andrew Mangiapane, it's a chance to reset and prove his value alongside elite talent like Leon Draisaitl. The team is banking on past chemistry to produce immediate results. How this reconfigured second line performs could have a meaningful impact on the Oilers' offensive depth and overall success moving forward. All eyes will be on Mangiapane to see if he can capitalize on this big boost from the coaching staff.
