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Jets Urged to Pursue One of the Most Underrated Free Agents This Offseason

Originally posted on Hockey Latest | By Daniel Lucente | Last updated Jun 14, 2025 11:43 AM ET

Winnipeg Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff is being urged to pursue one of the most underrated free agents available this offseason, that being Andrew Mangiapane.

With NHL free agency set to open on July 1, teams are preparing to address priority roster needs.

This year's crop of upcoming unrestricted free agents includes household names like Mitch Marner, Aaron Ekblad, and Nikolaj Ehlers, stars who have the capability to greatly improve an appropriate team.

In a recent article, 'The Athletic' polled its NHL team of writers to suggest fantasy free agent signings for every team. For the Winnipeg Jets, the selection was Andrew Mangiapane.

'I've been a big Andrew Mangiapane guy since the 2020 bubble. I think Winnipeg should go after him.'
- Murat Ates

The 29-year-old forward had a disappointing year with 28 points on the third line with Washington. But he has had 40, 43, and 55-point campaigns in the top-six spot with Calgary and remains a forceful forechecker and hard player to match up against.

He's considered to be a dependable 'buy-low' candidate and could slide into an integral middle-six role for the Jets, especially if Nikolaj Ehlers is departing.

Ehlers could be departing the Jets and Ottawa may be interested

Speaking of Ehlers, The Athletic suggested the Ottawa Senators bet big on signing the right-wing speedster. Ehlers, who every season scores 20-25 goals, would go perfectly with Tim Stutzle and Brady Tkachuk.

The Senators are in dire need of speed and offense, and if Ehlers is willing to stay in Canada and play for another playoff-contending team, Ottawa might aggressively chase him.

If the Jets were to lose Ehlers, Mangiapane would be an excellent replacement to send out onto the ice. Either way, both players will likely get a lot of attention when the market opens.

This article first appeared on Hockey Latest and was syndicated with permission.

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