Mangiapane Believes He Can 'Easily' Get Back To Scoring Ways With Capitals, Excited For New Start: 'It's A Great Feeling Just To Feel Wanted'

ARLINGTON, V.A. — Andrew Mangiapane had a feeling that his time in Calgary was up. So when he was traded to the Washington Capitals, he wasn't taken by surprise; instead, he felt motivated and rejuvenated.

Washington, in the midst of a retool and roster overhaul on the fly, acquired Mangiapane for a 2025 second-round pick, taking a gamble on him in the final year of his contract.

"To get traded to a good organization, a good team, I'm definitely just excited and I can't wait to get out there and start," Mangiapane said.

For Mangiapane, it wasn't just the opportunity to go to a team with hopes of winning, but it was a chance at a fresh start where he'd be valued for his skillset.

"That's a great feeling, right? That somebody likes your game and wants you to be a part of it, a part of their team... it's a great feeling just to feel wanted," Mangiapane said, adding, "I just can't wait to get out there."

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When it comes to what he hopes to bring to the table, Mangiapane cited his aggressive approach on the forecheck, as well as his ability to make plays and finish them.

"I'm a tenacious, hard-working forward. I feel like when I play my best, I'm forechecking their D, making them turn pucks over. Then, I can use my ability kind of in tight, finish and make plays from there."

The 28-year-old had 14 goals and 26 assists for 40 points in 75 games with the Flames last season in what was a year of ups and downs. He cited shoulder issues that slowed him down at different points but is confident he can get back to form this year.

"I had shoulder surgery the year before and my shoulder kept kind of popping out, so last year was kind of, I was still kind of feeling it a little bit, but this year, I got the whole summer to train and get back my shot and my accuracy and everything like that," Mangiapane said.

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Just two years ago, he had 35 goals and 55 points and is hoping he can get back to that level in the District.

"That year was obviously a good year for me. I don't know why or how or anything like that, but it was me just playing my game, right? I was going out there every night playing with confidence. Like I said, being tenacious on the puck and making plays from there. I just felt like I was in the right position and I think I could easily get back to that," Mangiapane said, adding, "I'm excited to go to camp and show everybody that I can still produce that way."

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At the end of the day, Mangiapane is just looking forward to getting an opportunity to be a role player and take on more responsibility while being a key piece of the Capitals' lineup going forward.

"It's a big opportunity for me. I think there's a good mixture between young and old," Mangiapane said of the roster, adding, "Just going there... (trying) to better myself is a huge opportunity for me to really take the next step in my game."