Good morning, everyone, and a happy Monday to you all. As always, I&#8217;ve got a post-draft, pre-free agency mailbag ready to go after taking your questions and sending them to the crew for their take on whatever&#8217;s on your mind. This week, we&#8217;re discussing Andrew Mangiapane&#8217;s spot in the lineup, Curtis Lazar, Trent Frederic&#8217;s contract, and more. If you’ve got a question you’d like to ask, email it to me at <a class="text-accent" href="mailto:baggedmilk@oilersnation.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">baggedmilk@oilersnation.com</a> or on Twitter at <a class="text-accent" href="https://www.twitter.com/jsbmbaggedmilk" rel="noopener noreferrer">@jsbmbaggedmilk</a>, and I’ll get to you as soon as I can.

<figure id="attachment_178127" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-178127" style="width: 1024px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-large wp-image-178127" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/USATSI_26102058-1024x683.jpg" alt="Edmonton Oilers forward Andrew Mangiapane" width="1024" height="683" srcset="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/USATSI_26102058-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/USATSI_26102058-300x200.jpg 300w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/USATSI_26102058-768x512.jpg 768w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/USATSI_26102058-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/USATSI_26102058-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-178127" class="wp-caption-text">Apr 30, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Capitals left wing Andrew Mangiapane (88) shoots the puck against the Montreal Canadiens in game five of the first round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure>
1) Brendyn asks &#8211; How do think <a href="https://publish.oilersnation.com/2025/07/06/analyzing-what-edmonton-oilers-expect-andrew-mangiapane/">Andrew Mangiapane</a> will be used by Kris Knoblauch in <a href="https://oilersnation.com/combinations">the lineup</a>? He didn&#8217;t score much in Washington last year and I think a lot of people only remember his big year in Calgary.
Jason Gregor:
He didn’t score much in Washington, because he mainly played with Lars Eller or Nic Dowd. He never played in the top six. He will play in the top-six in Edmonton, to start at least. I see him in top-six and on second PP unit.
Liam Horrobin:
He&#8217;ll be a middle-six winger who finds his way onto the penalty kill. If you look at his time on ice from last season, he doesn&#8217;t need much time to score goals.
Baggedmilk:
I seem him as a middle six (sometimes top-six) forward that can kill penalties and chip in 14-20 goals.
<figure id="attachment_177951" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-177951" style="width: 1024px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-large wp-image-177951" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/USATSI_25338821_168383996_lowres-1024x683.jpg" alt="Edmonton Oilers forward Andrew Mangiapane" width="1024" height="683" srcset="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/USATSI_25338821_168383996_lowres-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/USATSI_25338821_168383996_lowres-300x200.jpg 300w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/USATSI_25338821_168383996_lowres-768x512.jpg 768w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/USATSI_25338821_168383996_lowres.jpg 1443w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-177951" class="wp-caption-text">Feb 4, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Capitals left wing Andrew Mangiapane (88) scores a goal on Florida Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky (72) in the first period at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure>
2) Yves asks &#8211; Now that we&#8217;re a week removed from the start of free agency, how do you think Stan Bowman fared signing only <a href="https://publish.oilersnation.com/2025/07/01/edmonton-oilers-sign-andrew-mangiapane-two-year-3-6-million-aav-contract/">Andrew Mangiapane</a>, <a href="https://publish.oilersnation.com/2017/07/19/lazar-looking-for-an-opportunity-with-the-calgary-flames/">Curtis Lazar</a>, and some depth pieces?
Jason Gregor:
I didn’t expect them to make a major splash. I did think they’d add a goalie with NHL experience to battle Pickard. They still might over the summer. I’ve believed since the season ended their big moves will come closer to the trade deadline.
Liam Horrobin:
I am happy he didn&#8217;t overspend on this free agency class. There wasn&#8217;t much talent out there, but Mangiapane and Lazar filled the voids on good deals. A goaltender is a conversation that won&#8217;t go away, but there wasn&#8217;t a significant upgrade out there.
Baggedmilk:
After seeing some of the other deals that got signed, I&#8217;m happy Stan Bowman didn&#8217;t give a 4 x $4.5 million contract to Cody Ceci, you know?
<figure id="attachment_177976" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-177976" style="width: 1024px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-large wp-image-177976" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/USATSI_25287797-1024x683.jpg" alt="Edmonton Oilers forward Curtis Lazar" width="1024" height="683" srcset="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/USATSI_25287797-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/USATSI_25287797-300x200.jpg 300w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/USATSI_25287797-768x512.jpg 768w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/USATSI_25287797-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/USATSI_25287797-2048x1366.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-177976" class="wp-caption-text">Jan 27, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New Jersey Devils center Curtis Lazar (42) against the Philadelphia Flyers at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure>
3) Marc asks &#8211; Is Curtis Lazar signed to be Noah Philp insurance, or do you see him fitting in on the fourth line on the NHL roster?
Jason Gregor:
He and Philp will battle for the 4th line centre job. Lazar can also play the wing. He outlined how last season he had a knee issue most of the year. “I dealt with injuries last year. I had knee surgery and it went well, however, the screw they inserted was supposed to dissolve, but it didn&#8217;t and it started to cause pain and discomfort. It was frustrating at times wondering if I&#8217;d feel good. But six weeks ago I had it removed and now I feel great. I&#8217;m moving without pain and for the first time in a year I&#8217;m able to move well.”
He will push Philp. Philp will need to earn the spot, and I could see them splitting time down the middle.
Liam Horrobin:
They&#8217;ll both be full time NHLers next season. The Oilers lacked right handed centremen last season and now they have two.
Baggedmilk:
I think that&#8217;s a good bet. But I also like having competition for lineup spots too. Earned not given.
<figure id="attachment_177136" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-177136" style="width: 1024px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-large wp-image-177136" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/P-FREDERIC-1024x683.jpg" alt="Edmonton Oilers Trent Frederic" width="1024" height="683" srcset="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/P-FREDERIC-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/P-FREDERIC-300x200.jpg 300w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/P-FREDERIC-768x512.jpg 768w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/P-FREDERIC-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/P-FREDERIC-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-177136" class="wp-caption-text">May 27, 2025; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers center Trent Frederic (21) chases the puck during the first period against the Dallas Stars in game four of the Western Conference Final of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure>
4) Brian from Victoria asks &#8211; Please tell me why the Oilers <a href="https://publish.oilersnation.com/2025/06/27/edmonton-oilers-trent-frederic-finalize-eight-year-contract/">signed Trent Fredric for eight years</a>? In 338 games, he has 109 points. Those stats aren’t going to keep # 97 around for long.
Jason Gregor:
Because in three years when the cap is $113m his $3.8m will be equivalent to a $2.7m player last season. In Frederic’s first three NHL seasons he averaged 0.19 pts/game (119GP), in his last three he was a at 0.40 (219 GP). McDavid is a big fan of Frederic. When Frederic arrived in Edmonton and was hurt he rehabbed with McDavid. They spent a lot of time together, as McDavid had him offer for dinner most nights. He likes the tenacity Frederic brings and his versatility to play all three positions. I’d be surprised if the first 5-6 years of his contract don’t age quite well. Edmonton needs some grit and physicality and Frederic has that. The player Oilers fans saw in the playoffs was about 60% of what he can bring as he was limited due to his high ankle sprain.
Liam Horrobin:
Connor McDavid isn&#8217;t running the team so not every move needs to be controlled by him. Anyways, go look at the players that signed contracts on July 1st. Trent Frederic is better than the majority of them. Even if it doesn&#8217;t work out, it&#8217;s a trade able contract so we need to stop acting like he&#8217;s being paid $12 million per year.
Baggedmilk:
Word on the street is that the players liked playing with Trent Frederic for the physicality he brings as well. Remember, last year was his worst offensive season in a while. He&#8217;s only 27 and more likely to rebound than fall off a cliff. At least, that&#8217;s what the Kool-Aid is telling me.
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-136291" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Jay-Downton-hits-home-run-at-REMAX-Field-1024x881.png" alt="" width="796" height="685" srcset="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Jay-Downton-hits-home-run-at-REMAX-Field-1024x881.png 1024w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Jay-Downton-hits-home-run-at-REMAX-Field-300x258.png 300w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Jay-Downton-hits-home-run-at-REMAX-Field-768x661.png 768w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Jay-Downton-hits-home-run-at-REMAX-Field.png 1178w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 796px) 100vw, 796px" />
5) Austin asks &#8211; There are a lot of great summer sports happening here in Edmonton now that the Oilers&#8217; season is done. I&#8217;m curious—what local team or sport do you think deserves a little more attention and appreciation? For my money it doesn&#8217;t get better than a Riverhawks game at Remax Field.
Jason Gregor:
The Riverhawks have done a fantastic job making baseball a great event. The Edmonton Stingers are highly entertaining with great food and beverage prices. The Elks in-game experience has improved, they just need to win some games and the fans will come back. All three offer something different, but good. The Riverhawks and Elks have the “outdoor” experience, while the Stingers have the quickest pace and fans are closest to the court. I enjoy all of them for different reasons.
Liam Horrobin:
The Sherwood Park Crusaders had two players drafted into the NHL this past class, so I would highly recommend them. Although, I don&#8217;t scout there anymore so, instead, go watch the Penticton Vees if you&#8217;re in the area!
Baggedmilk:
I do love me a Riverhawks game. I also like going to Stingers games. They&#8217;re another affordable option that puts a pretty damned fun product on the court.
<h2>PRESENTED BY STAR MECHANICAL</h2>
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-146181" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Article-2-SME.png" alt="" width="728" height="404" srcset="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Article-2-SME.png 728w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Article-2-SME-300x166.png 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 728px) 100vw, 728px" />
Star Mechanical is one of Edmonton’s biggest locally owned and operated plumbing and heating businesses. They have been working within the community for over 20 years, and many of the homes built in Edmonton over the last two decades have had their plumbing and heating systems installed by Star Mechanical.  Visit them at <a href="http://starmechanical.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://starmechanical.ca&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1707492487512000&amp;usg=AOvVaw2mVs3WUkp8iUCZ0kJRe9lJ">starmechanical.ca</a> to schedule an appointment and let them help keep your home running smoothly.

Good morning, everyone, and a happy Monday to you all. As always, I've got a post-draft, pre-free agency mailbag ready to go after taking your questions and sending them to the crew for their take on whatever's on your mind. This week, we're discussing Andrew Mangiapane's spot in the lineup, Curtis Lazar, Trent Frederic's contract, and more. If you’ve got a question you’d like to ask, email it to me at <a class="text-accent" href="mailto:baggedmilk@oilersnation.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">baggedmilk@oilersnation.com</a> or on Twitter at <a class="text-accent" href="https://www.twitter.com/jsbmbaggedmilk" rel="noopener noreferrer">@jsbmbaggedmilk</a>, and I’ll get to you as soon as I can.



[caption id="attachment_178127" align="aligncenter" width="1024"]<img class="size-large wp-image-178127" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/USATSI_26102058-1024x683.jpg" alt="Edmonton Oilers forward Andrew Mangiapane" width="1024" height="683" /> Apr 30, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Capitals left wing Andrew Mangiapane (88) shoots the puck against the Montreal Canadiens in game five of the first round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images[/caption]

1) Brendyn asks - How do think <a href="https://publish.oilersnation.com/2025/07/06/analyzing-what-edmonton-oilers-expect-andrew-mangiapane/">Andrew Mangiapane</a> will be used by Kris Knoblauch in <a href="https://oilersnation.com/combinations">the lineup</a>? He didn't score much in Washington last year and I think a lot of people only remember his big year in Calgary.

Jason Gregor:

He didn’t score much in Washington, because he mainly played with Lars Eller or Nic Dowd. He never played in the top six. He will play in the top-six in Edmonton, to start at least. I see him in top-six and on second PP unit.

Liam Horrobin:

He'll be a middle-six winger who finds his way onto the penalty kill. If you look at his time on ice from last season, he doesn't need much time to score goals.

Baggedmilk:

I seem him as a middle six (sometimes top-six) forward that can kill penalties and chip in 14-20 goals.

[caption id="attachment_177951" align="aligncenter" width="1024"]<img class="size-large wp-image-177951" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/USATSI_25338821_168383996_lowres-1024x683.jpg" alt="Edmonton Oilers forward Andrew Mangiapane" width="1024" height="683" /> Feb 4, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Capitals left wing Andrew Mangiapane (88) scores a goal on Florida Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky (72) in the first period at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images[/caption]

2) Yves asks - Now that we're a week removed from the start of free agency, how do you think Stan Bowman fared signing only <a href="https://publish.oilersnation.com/2025/07/01/edmonton-oilers-sign-andrew-mangiapane-two-year-3-6-million-aav-contract/">Andrew Mangiapane</a>, <a href="https://publish.oilersnation.com/2017/07/19/lazar-looking-for-an-opportunity-with-the-calgary-flames/">Curtis Lazar</a>, and some depth pieces?

Jason Gregor:

I didn’t expect them to make a major splash. I did think they’d add a goalie with NHL experience to battle Pickard. They still might over the summer. I’ve believed since the season ended their big moves will come closer to the trade deadline.

Liam Horrobin:

I am happy he didn't overspend on this free agency class. There wasn't much talent out there, but Mangiapane and Lazar filled the voids on good deals. A goaltender is a conversation that won't go away, but there wasn't a significant upgrade out there.

Baggedmilk:

After seeing some of the other deals that got signed, I'm happy Stan Bowman didn't give a 4 x $4.5 million contract to Cody Ceci, you know?

[caption id="attachment_177976" align="aligncenter" width="1024"]<img class="size-large wp-image-177976" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/USATSI_25287797-1024x683.jpg" alt="Edmonton Oilers forward Curtis Lazar" width="1024" height="683" /> Jan 27, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New Jersey Devils center Curtis Lazar (42) against the Philadelphia Flyers at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images[/caption]

3) Marc asks - Is Curtis Lazar signed to be Noah Philp insurance, or do you see him fitting in on the fourth line on the NHL roster?

Jason Gregor:

He and Philp will battle for the 4th line centre job. Lazar can also play the wing. He outlined how last season he had a knee issue most of the year. “I dealt with injuries last year. I had knee surgery and it went well, however, the screw they inserted was supposed to dissolve, but it didn't and it started to cause pain and discomfort. It was frustrating at times wondering if I'd feel good. But six weeks ago I had it removed and now I feel great. I'm moving without pain and for the first time in a year I'm able to move well.”

He will push Philp. Philp will need to earn the spot, and I could see them splitting time down the middle.

Liam Horrobin:

They'll both be full time NHLers next season. The Oilers lacked right handed centremen last season and now they have two.

Baggedmilk:

I think that's a good bet. But I also like having competition for lineup spots too. Earned not given.

[caption id="attachment_177136" align="aligncenter" width="1024"]<img class="size-large wp-image-177136" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/P-FREDERIC-1024x683.jpg" alt="Edmonton Oilers Trent Frederic" width="1024" height="683" /> May 27, 2025; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers center Trent Frederic (21) chases the puck during the first period against the Dallas Stars in game four of the Western Conference Final of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images[/caption]

4) Brian from Victoria asks - Please tell me why the Oilers <a href="https://publish.oilersnation.com/2025/06/27/edmonton-oilers-trent-frederic-finalize-eight-year-contract/">signed Trent Fredric for eight years</a>? In 338 games, he has 109 points. Those stats aren’t going to keep # 97 around for long.

Jason Gregor:

Because in three years when the cap is $113m his $3.8m will be equivalent to a $2.7m player last season. In Frederic’s first three NHL seasons he averaged 0.19 pts/game (119GP), in his last three he was a at 0.40 (219 GP). McDavid is a big fan of Frederic. When Frederic arrived in Edmonton and was hurt he rehabbed with McDavid. They spent a lot of time together, as McDavid had him offer for dinner most nights. He likes the tenacity Frederic brings and his versatility to play all three positions. I’d be surprised if the first 5-6 years of his contract don’t age quite well. Edmonton needs some grit and physicality and Frederic has that. The player Oilers fans saw in the playoffs was about 60% of what he can bring as he was limited due to his high ankle sprain.

Liam Horrobin:

Connor McDavid isn't running the team so not every move needs to be controlled by him. Anyways, go look at the players that signed contracts on July 1st. Trent Frederic is better than the majority of them. Even if it doesn't work out, it's a trade able contract so we need to stop acting like he's being paid $12 million per year.

Baggedmilk:

Word on the street is that the players liked playing with Trent Frederic for the physicality he brings as well. Remember, last year was his worst offensive season in a while. He's only 27 and more likely to rebound than fall off a cliff. At least, that's what the Kool-Aid is telling me.

<img class="aligncenter wp-image-136291" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Jay-Downton-hits-home-run-at-REMAX-Field-1024x881.png" alt="" width="796" height="685" />

5) Austin asks - There are a lot of great summer sports happening here in Edmonton now that the Oilers' season is done. I'm curious—what local team or sport do you think deserves a little more attention and appreciation? For my money it doesn't get better than a Riverhawks game at Remax Field.

Jason Gregor:

The Riverhawks have done a fantastic job making baseball a great event. The Edmonton Stingers are highly entertaining with great food and beverage prices. The Elks in-game experience has improved, they just need to win some games and the fans will come back. All three offer something different, but good. The Riverhawks and Elks have the “outdoor” experience, while the Stingers have the quickest pace and fans are closest to the court. I enjoy all of them for different reasons.

Liam Horrobin:

The Sherwood Park Crusaders had two players drafted into the NHL this past class, so I would highly recommend them. Although, I don't scout there anymore so, instead, go watch the Penticton Vees if you're in the area!

Baggedmilk:

I do love me a Riverhawks game. I also like going to Stingers games. They're another affordable option that puts a pretty damned fun product on the court.
<h2>PRESENTED BY STAR MECHANICAL</h2>
<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-146181" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Article-2-SME.png" alt="" width="728" height="404" />

Star Mechanical is one of Edmonton’s biggest locally owned and operated plumbing and heating businesses. They have been working within the community for over 20 years, and many of the homes built in Edmonton over the last two decades have had their plumbing and heating systems installed by Star Mechanical.  Visit them at <a href="http://starmechanical.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://starmechanical.ca&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1707492487512000&amp;usg=AOvVaw2mVs3WUkp8iUCZ0kJRe9lJ">starmechanical.ca</a> to schedule an appointment and let them help keep your home running smoothly.

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