When the Calgary Flames hit the ice in Edmonton for their season-opener, they’ll see a familiar face on the other side.

Andrew Mangiapane, a 2015 sixth-round pick and a 417-game member of the Flames, is now a member of the Edmonton Oilers. Mangiapane was traded to the Washington Capitals during the 2024 off-season and after spending a season with the Capitals, he ended up signing as a free agent with the Oilers.

Speaking to the media in the home locker room after morning skate at Rogers Place, Mangiapane reflected on how he ended up wearing an Oilers jersey.

“I think there was so much, I guess, hatred with the Battle of Alberta when I was on the Calgary side that even when they called, I was kind of shocked, right?” said Mangiapane. “Just because I was thinking there was no way that, why would Edmonton be calling me, right? But more and more I looked at it, it was a pretty good fit for me and I’m happy to be here. And obviously it’s a little different, but I’m used to the Alberta weather and happy to be back in Alberta.”

Mangiapane is probably best known to Flames fans for his 35-goal outburst in 2021-22. That season was a product of some stellar play on a line alongside Mikael Backlund and Matthew Tkachuk. He looked to be on a line with Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Matthew Savoie for Wednesday’s opener.

“Up and down the lineup, they’re a good team,” said Mangiapane. “Whoever you’re kind of playing with, you’re going to be kind of stepping on the ice with some pretty good players, right? And obviously them going back-to-back Stanley Cup finals, and obviously there’s good players in here and a good group of guys, right? So just happy to be kind of a part of that and hopefully go on another long playoff run here.”

First games with new teams can be nerve-wracking. Doubly so are games against former teams. Mangiapane gets both out of the way on opening night. After 27 BOAs wearing red, he’ll be on the opposite side for the first time.

“I think I’m killing two birds with what’s going on here just because, you know, you get the nerves for your first game, first time on the home side here, right?” said Mangiapane. “So, and then you also have the fact that you’re playing the Flames and the old team and all that. So, killing two birds with one stone, that’s the way I’m kind of looking at it. So, I’m sure there’s going to be jitters for both reasons and just good to get it out of the way right away.”

Here are the other 55 player who have played with both Alberta teams, ordered by the date in which they joined the club (bolded).

The Flames and the Oilers kick things off on Wednesday night at Rogers Place.

This article is a presentation of Platinum Mitsubishi, family owned and operated by lifelong Calgarians. Home of the industry-leading 10-year, 160,000-kilometre powertrain warranty. Check out their showroom at 2720 Barlow Trail NE or online at www.mitsu.ca.