The hockey world often provides narratives that transcend the simple act of putting a puck in a net. It`s a theatre of ambition, rivalry, and personal evolution. This season, the Edmonton Oilers are setting the stage for precisely such a drama, featuring two compelling storylines: the unexpected arrival of Andrew Mangiapane and Leon Draisaitl`s unwavering quest for ultimate defensive recognition. These aren`t just isolated events; they are pivotal strategic shifts signaling a heightened intent for the franchise.
The Unexpected Turn: Andrew Mangiapane`s Journey to Edmonton
For years, Andrew Mangiapane was a thorn in the side of the Edmonton Oilers, a feisty forward embodying the spirited animosity of the “Battle of Alberta.” His aggressive, “edgy” style was a hallmark of the Calgary Flames, making him a player Oilers fans loved to hate. Now, in a turn of events that underscores the adage “if you can`t beat `em, join `em,” Mangiapane finds himself pulling on the oil drop, a sight that even he admits feels “a little weird.”
After a career that saw him chase Connor McDavid across various leagues since childhood and spend six seasons battling him in the NHL, Mangiapane is finally on McDavid`s team – and indeed, on his line. This isn`t merely a positional change; it`s a psychological shift from adversary to ally. The transition follows a challenging season in Washington, where his production dipped to a career-low 28 points. Edmonton offers him a chance at a definitive bounce-back, a redemption arc that hinges on re-establishing his 35-goal potential and bringing his signature sandpaper to the Oilers` top-six forward group.
“You always had to shadow him, even at that young age,” Mangiapane reflected on McDavid. “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.”
The Oilers, led by calls from Draisaitl and Nurse – two players Mangiapane frequently clashed with – made him feel genuinely wanted. This personal outreach speaks volumes about the team`s culture and Mangiapane`s reputation as a competitive, albeit sometimes irritating, force. At 29, and with a fresh two-year, $3.6 million AAV deal, coupled with the recent birth of his son, A.J., in Edmonton, Mangiapane`s move feels less like a simple free-agent signing and more like a pivotal life chapter opening. His mission? To inject grit, contribute secondary scoring, and help a team that “wanted me” finally achieve the deep playoff run he`s never experienced.
Leon Draisaitl`s Definitive Quest: Beyond Offensive Dominance
While Mangiapane’s story is about a fresh start, Leon Draisaitl`s narrative this season is about a pursuit of completeness. Widely recognized as one of the NHL`s premier offensive talents – a consistent 50-goal, 100-point threat and second in the league in goals and points over the past five seasons – Draisaitl now aims to conquer the defensive side of the game. His target: the Selke Trophy, an award traditionally reserved for the league`s best defensive forward.
This ambition is not born in a vacuum. Draisait openly credits Anze Kopitar, the recently retired Los Angeles Kings legend, as a significant inspiration. Kopitar, a two-way marvel often dubbed the “Western Conference`s Patrice Bergeron,” demonstrated a level of consistency and defensive acumen that Draisaitl deeply admires. Having played with Kopitar during the 2016 World Cup, Draisait experienced firsthand the mentorship that fueled this new goal.
“Kopy was always my idol, growing up. I’ve learned so much from playing against him, watching him,” Draisaitl stated. “It’s the consistency part. He’s done it for a long time — every day, every game. It’s something that I took a little bit (of time) in getting to, but I’m at a point where I’m the same way.”
For a player already on a Hall of Fame trajectory, adding a Selke Trophy would be the ultimate checkmark, solidifying his legacy as not just an offensive dynamo, but a truly complete, 200-foot player. This isn`t merely personal vanity; it`s a strategic move for the Oilers. A defensively sharpened Draisait makes an already formidable team even more impenetrable, transforming them into a true contender capable of shutting down opponents while maintaining their offensive firepower.
The Oilers` New Equation: Grit, Goals, and a Complete Game
The intertwining narratives of Mangiapane and Draisaitl paint a clear picture of the Edmonton Oilers` aspirations. Mangiapane`s arrival adds a crucial element of battle-tested grit and scoring depth, precisely what a team pushing for deep playoff runs needs. His ability to play “a little bit on that angrier side” without consistently drawing detrimental penalties (a lesson learned, he assures us) could be the spark that ignites the Oilers` middle-six forward lines.
Meanwhile, Draisaitl`s public declaration for the Selke Trophy signifies a profound commitment to personal and team-wide excellence. It`s a high bar, certainly, but his talent and drive suggest it`s within reach. Should he achieve it, the Oilers would boast a center corps that not only dominates offensively but also sets a new standard for defensive responsibility.
This season, the Edmonton Oilers aren`t just assembling talent; they`re cultivating character and evolving their core. With a transformed rival bringing his competitive edge and a superstar seeking defensive perfection, the stage is set for an intriguing and potentially historic campaign. The synergy between Mangiapane’s revitalized energy and Draisaitl’s refined all-around game could very well be the formula that propels the Oilers to the pinnacle of the NHL.
