How the Blackhawks may view Andrew Mangiapane's value in 2026-27

Andrew Mangiapane is one of the interesting forwards on the Chicago Blackhawks going into next season. Given that they have a lot of forwards, it raises questions about what Mangiapane's playing time could look like.

His storyline for 2026-27 will hone in how the Blackhawks could view him in the lineup.

Where Mangiapane slotted in on the Blackhawks

As a refresher, Mangiapane came to the Blackhawks at the trade deadline in March as part of the trade package that sent Jason Dickinson and Colton Dach to the Edmonton Oilers. Mangiapane has had a respectable NHL career thus far, being known for being a feisty-type forward who can put up 30-plus points a season.

The 30 year old was signed by the Oilers to a two-year deal in free agency last summer, but they struggled to find the right fit for him in the lineup. And the Blackhawks were looking forward to seeing what he could do with a "clean slate." Head coach Jeff Blashill said, "But what I've known about him is, he's been a guy who's got kind of that really, really good work ethic and speed. So he's kind of a dog on a bone. I think that fits into how we want to play, and he's got that with some offensive touch, and so that fits into how we want to play. Where he slots in with which line, we'll see as we go..."

Mangiapane found some chemistry in the bottom six with Ilya Mikheyev and Ryan Donato, and mostly found himself playing in that bottom-six role.

Unfortunately, he dealt with two different injuries on the Blackhawks that limited him to just 10 games, recording two points during that time

Blackhawks may still see the fit in the 2026-27

One thing that stands out about Mangiapane is what Blashill said: "I think he's done a good job for us. I think he's a good fit for what we kind of need. He's a real direct, north player. I think sometimes we can get a little bit too east-west. You know, we have some young skill that can play that way at times. That's a good thing, but also, you need to have a direct element to your game. And he definitely does that. I think he's fit in very well playing with Mickey (Mikheyev). And I thought that line of Dono (Donato), Mickey and Mango was great, to be honest with you. I thought they did an excellent job. And so, I think it's been a good fit.”

In March, Blashill also said postgame after they faced the Utah Mammoth, "You know what Andrew's done? He's brought us into the fight a little bit. Like he's very competitive..."

Blashill continued at the end, "He's been a good addition. Again, a lot of compete to him. Somebody that we're happy to have a part of our group."

Looking at the roster next season, they added more grit with the additions of Jordan Greenway and Cole Smith. Considering their objective was wanting to change up the bottom six and become a more difficult team to face, that is where they likely see Mangiapane's value.

The bottom six is going to be competitive, with Smith, Greenway, Landon Slaggert, Ryan Donato, Oliver Moore, Sacha Boisvert, and Mangiapane all looking to make their mark.

But even Steven Ellis of Daily Faceoff wondered about him, "It’ll also be interesting to see what happens to Andrew Mangiapane. He dealt with a lower-body injury but should be good in time for training camp. A few years ago, there were serious questions as to whether Mangiapane could make it as a bottom-six player for Canada’s Olympic team. Those days are obviously way past gone, but a full, healthy season would be huge for him this year after a bit of a disastrous 2025-26."

It seems easy to think Mangiapane could be on the outside looking in among a crowded group, but there is still potential for him to be a contributor on the Blackhawks.

Blashill thought he was a good fit, but they didn't get a chance to really see him because of the injuries. He can be a good forward to interchange on the third and fourth lines because of his experience, and his skill set still fits what the Blackhawks are looking for.

Depending on how training camp shakes out, he might be someone the Blackhawks want to give another look to.

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