As the crisp autumn air settles over Edmonton, signaling the imminent return of NHL hockey, the Oilers organization finds itself on the cusp of a season defined by intriguing narratives and elevated aspirations. It`s not just about chasing the Stanley Cup; it`s about individual reinvention and the relentless pursuit of comprehensive excellence. At the heart of this unfolding drama are two prominent figures: Andrew Mangiapane, a tenacious forward seeking to revitalize his career in new colors, and perennial superstar Leon Draisaitl, who, despite his offensive dominance, has set his sights on conquering the defensive realm.
The Prodigal Son (Sort Of): Andrew Mangiapane Joins the Fold
For years, Andrew Mangiapane was a familiar thorn in the Oilers` side, a scrappy, irritating presence for the rival Calgary Flames. He was the kind of player you loved if he was on your team, and absolutely loathed if he wasn`t. Now, in a twist of fate that only hockey can deliver, Mangiapane dons the Oilers` orange and blue. “If you can`t beat `em, join `em,” the adage goes, and in Mangiapane`s case, it carries a delightful irony. After a lifetime of chasing Connor McDavid around Greater Toronto Hockey League rinks and then battling against him in the ferocious Battle of Alberta, Mangiapane now finds himself on McDavid`s line in training camp.
“You always had to shadow him, even at that young age. I was the guy skating around, or trying to skate around, keeping up with him. It`s funny — now you`re on the same team.”
This isn`t just a simple team change; it`s a significant career pivot for the 29-year-old winger. Following a rather subdued season with the Washington Capitals, Mangiapane arrives in Edmonton with a clear objective: to re-establish himself as a top-six forward capable of both grit and significant offensive output. The Oilers, for their part, made him feel truly wanted, actively recruiting him before he inked his two-year, $3.6 million AAV deal. This sense of being valued is often the catalyst for a player`s resurgence.
McDavid himself acknowledges Mangiapane`s unique blend of skills: “He`s always been that annoying guy on the other side, so it`s nice to have him on our side. But he`s a lot more than that. He`s a guy who scored 35 goals. He can play with an edge, plays fast, wins battles. He`s got a lot of things that I`m looking for in a winger.”
The challenge for Mangiapane will be to harness his “sandpaper” style effectively. He`s been known to cross the line occasionally, leading to penalties that hurt his team. Now, with the wisdom of age and a clear purpose, he aims to refine that edge. With a new child, son A.J., recently born in Edmonton, Mangiapane is literally building a new life and a new chapter in Oil Country, all with the singular goal of finally experiencing a deep playoff run.
Leon Draisaitl`s Pursuit of the Selke: The Final Frontier
While Mangiapane seeks a bounce-back, Leon Draisaitl is chasing something entirely different: validation beyond pure offense. Already an established superstar, a Hart Trophy winner, and consistently among the league`s top scorers (the only 50-goal, 100-point man last year, second in goals and points over the past five seasons), Draisaitl`s legacy is secure. Yet, there`s one more box he aims to check for his inevitable Hall of Fame induction: becoming a truly elite two-way forward, recognized with the Frank J. Selke Trophy.
His inspiration? The retiring Los Angeles Kings legend, Anze Kopitar. Draisaitl openly refers to Kopitar as his idol, a paragon of two-way excellence, often compared to the Western Conference`s Patrice Bergeron. The news of Kopitar`s impending retirement this season spurred Draisaitl to reflect on the veteran`s exquisite, consistent two-way game.
“Kopy was always my idol, growing up. I’ve learned so much from playing against him, watching him. I had the privilege of playing with him at the World Cup in 2016, and he took me under his wing there. We’ve had a close friendship ever since.”
Draisaitl`s ambition to be in the “Selke conversation” is a testament to his relentless drive for improvement. It’s a subtle yet profound shift, indicating a player who refuses to rest on his offensive laurels. A defensively responsible Draisaitl, combining his unparalleled scoring touch with Selke-caliber defensive play, transforms the Oilers into an even more formidable opponent. It speaks volumes about the maturity and completeness he strives for, not just for personal accolades, but to elevate his team`s chances at the ultimate prize.
A Season of Renewed Hope and Dual Narratives
The upcoming season in Edmonton is poised to be particularly compelling. It`s a convergence of distinct but equally vital narratives: Andrew Mangiapane`s quest for a career renaissance and Leon Draisaitl`s pursuit of defensive mastery. These individual journeys, when woven into the fabric of a talented Oilers roster, promise a team that is not only offensively potent but also increasingly well-rounded and gritty.
Mangiapane`s “edgy game” could provide the essential physical presence and secondary scoring needed to complement the Oilers` high-octane offense. Meanwhile, Draisaitl`s commitment to a 200-foot game signals a new level of leadership and dedication, potentially setting a precedent for the entire team. With these dual ambitions driving key players, the Edmonton Oilers are not just looking to win games; they`re looking to redefine their identity and embark on a memorable playoff run.
The stage is set for a season where individual aspirations align perfectly with team goals, creating a palpable sense of excitement and expectation for the Oilers and their passionate fanbase.
