“When Those Guys Call You, You Tend to Listen”: Connor McDavid & Leon Draisaitl Played Crucial Role in Recruiting New $7.2 Million Oilers Forward to Edmonton
In a league where player recruitment is increasingly driven by peer influence and locker room culture, the Edmonton Oilers have taken a page from the NBA playbook—and it’s paying off. This week, the Oilers made headlines by signing forward Andrew Mangiapane to a two-year, $7.2 million deal, a move that could have significant implications for their 2025–26 Stanley Cup push. But what’s grabbing even more attention is the revelation that Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl—the team’s dynamic one-two punch—were instrumental in recruiting the former Calgary Flames winger.
“When those guys call you, you tend to listen,” Mangiapane said in his first media availability as a member of the Oilers. “It wasn’t just management reaching out. It was the leaders of the team. When you get a call from McDavid and Draisaitl, you know they believe in you and see you as a part of their mission.”
The McDavid-Draisaitl Effect
Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl aren’t just the Oilers’ most elite talents—they’ve become cornerstone voices in shaping the future of the franchise. Over the last few seasons, they’ve taken on greater leadership responsibilities, both on the ice and behind the scenes. With the team squarely in “win-now” mode, their involvement in player recruitment reflects just how urgent the Oilers’ front office views their championship window.
“They’re not just players—they’re culture drivers,” Oilers GM Ken Holland said during a press conference. “They set the tone. When they reached out to Andrew, it wasn’t a scripted pitch. It was about what it’s like to be in that room, to chase the Cup with this group. That kind of authenticity resonates.”
The 28-year-old Mangiapane, who spent his entire NHL career with the Calgary Flames before hitting free agency this summer, admitted that his decision to cross Alberta’s battle lines wasn’t easy—but it was made easier after speaking with McDavid and Draisaitl.
“They talked about the expectations here, the hunger to win, and the role I could play. It didn’t feel like a sales pitch. It felt like a conversation with teammates I hadn’t even played with yet,” Mangiapane said.
What Mangiapane Brings to the Oilers
Mangiapane isn’t just a feel-good signing—he’s a legitimate difference-maker. A 20-goal scorer with a reputation for relentless forechecking, smart two-way play, and special teams versatility, he fills a void the Oilers have long sought to address: a reliable, hard-nosed middle-six winger who can contribute in high-leverage moments.
Last season with the Flames, Mangiapane recorded 22 goals and 26 assists for 48 points in 80 games, continuing a trend of consistent offensive output. But beyond the box score, his metrics show a player who drives possession, limits opponents’ scoring chances, and adds tenacity to every shift. He ranked in the top 30% of NHL forwards in high-danger scoring chances created and was often used in both power play and penalty kill situations.
“He’s a player we’ve had our eye on for a while,” said Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch. “He plays with pace, grit, and intelligence. Whether it’s playing alongside our top centers or anchoring a checking line, he gives us flexibility. And he’s battle-tested.”
Crossing the Alberta Divide
Perhaps the most intriguing subplot to Mangiapane’s arrival in Edmonton is his history with the Calgary Flames. The Battle of Alberta is one of the NHL’s fiercest rivalries, and seeing a former Flame suit up in blue and orange adds fuel to an already fiery narrative.
“I know what that rivalry means, and I know what it’s like being on the other side,” Mangiapane said. “But at the end of the day, I’m here to win. That’s all that matters. I’m grateful for my time in Calgary, but this is a new chapter.”
Flames fans have taken to social media with mixed reactions, ranging from disappointment to outright disbelief. Meanwhile, Oilers fans have embraced the move, seeing Mangiapane’s signing as a coup over their provincial rivals.
“Getting a guy like him—especially from Calgary—is a statement,” one Oilers fan posted on Reddit. “He knows how we play, he’s seen us up close. Now he’s choosing to be part of it.”
What Comes Next
With Mangiapane in the fold, the Oilers’ forward group looks deeper and more versatile than ever. He is expected to start the season on the second or third line, depending on training camp outcomes, and may see time on the penalty kill—an area the Oilers are looking to improve after an inconsistent showing last season.
His contract, worth an average annual value (AAV) of $3.6 million, is viewed as a team-friendly deal considering his experience and productivity. The short-term nature of the deal also gives the Oilers flexibility as they navigate upcoming contract negotiations with core players.
Still, the most exciting aspect of this signing may be the signal it sends to the rest of the league: Edmonton is a destination.
“Players around the league are taking notice,” Holland said. “They want to play here. They want to win here. And when guys like Connor and Leon are making those calls, it says everything about where this franchise is headed.”
Final Thoughts
Andrew Mangiapane’s arrival in Edmonton is more than just another offseason transaction—it’s a testament to the power of leadership, culture, and vision. As the Oilers gear up for another run at the Cup, they’re not just stacking talent. They’re building belief.
And when Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl are leading the charge, players are listening.
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