Andrew Mangiapane could've set himself up for a big contract this offseason.
Instead, he put up a career-worst 28 points for the Capitals.
It's a far cry from his 35-goal season in 2021-22.
But even despite that, the 29-year old winger should get at least a decent payday after 14 goals and 14 assists.
Pro Hockey Rumors writer Brian La Rose projects Mangiapane to earn $3 million per year on his new deal.
Mangiapane earned $5.8 million per year on his contract that just expired, and now he's an unrestricted free agent.
MORE: Connor McDavid could make a decision that shocks the NHL
The 5-foot-10 lefty from Toronto is an unquestioned NHL success story. The Flames took him in the sixth round in 2015.
He played in parts of seven NHL seasons for Calgary. He had 109 goals and 106 assists in 417 games.
Last winter was his first season away from the Flames, and it wasn't always smooth sailing in the nation's capital for Mangiapane.
It seems unlikely he'd return to Washington after the rough season, but he's a talented enough player to still get a decent contract from somewhere.
Perhaps Mangiapane will go with a short-term deal to try and reestablish his value to set up one final payday in free agency in a year's time.
MORE NHL NEWS:
- Alex Tuch could secure a huge payday
- Panthers winger leaving NHL for Switzerland
- Rasmus Andersson could be traded from Calgary
- K'Andre Miller could be traded from Rangers
- Jonathan Toews is returning to the NHL
- Things look iffy with Canucks, Pius Suter