As the crisp autumn air settles over Edmonton, signaling the imminent roar of another NHL season, the Oilers are not merely preparing for games; they are orchestrating a strategic transformation. This season is poised to be defined not only by the expected brilliance of their established superstars but also by the calculated integration of new talent and the ambitious evolution of their most prominent figures. It’s a narrative woven with threads of redemption, rivalry reimagined, and an unwavering pursuit of all-encompassing excellence.
From Adversary to Ally: Andrew Mangiapane`s Edmonton Chapter
For years, Andrew Mangiapane was a familiar face on the opposing side, a thorn in the Oilers’ collective paw, especially during the heated “Battle of Alberta.” His tenacious, often irritating, style of play was a hallmark of the Calgary Flames, making him a player Oilers fans loved to despise. Now, in a twist that only professional sports can deliver, Mangiapane has donned the copper and blue, a free-agent signing tasked with a significant mission: a bounce-back season and a re-establishment of his top-six winger status.
The irony is not lost on Mangiapane himself. Having spent a significant portion of his hockey life, from minor leagues to the NHL, trying to contain or compete with Connor McDavid, he now finds himself not just on the same team, but on McDavid`s line. “You always had to shadow him,” Mangiapane reflected, “It`s funny — now you`re on the same team.” This transition isn`t just a geographical shift; it`s a profound realignment of purpose.
After a career-low 28 points last season with the Washington Capitals, Mangiapane arrives in Edmonton with a two-year, $3.6 million AAV deal, eager to rediscover the form that saw him net 35 goals in a previous campaign. The Oilers, it seems, were genuinely eager to bring him into the fold, extending calls even before his signature was on the contract. Leon Draisaitl and Darnell Nurse, two players Mangiapane readily admits he had “the most friction with” during his Flames tenure, were among those making him feel welcome. It`s a testament to the league`s underlying respect that on-ice animosity can quickly morph into professional camaraderie. As Mangiapane chuckled, “I`m sure they`ve hated me on the ice before, but I think everyone kind of understands that it`s a game.”
Connor McDavid himself acknowledged Mangiapane’s value:
“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.”
This speaks volumes, indicating Mangiapane`s role is far more than just adding grit; it`s about infusing a proven scoring touch with a disruptive edge, a combination vital for any deep playoff run. His willingness to play “a little bit on that angrier side,” tempered by the wisdom of experience, could be precisely what the Oilers need.
Draisaitl`s Defensive Declaration: The Selke Trophy in Sight
While Mangiapane seeks a personal resurgence, Leon Draisaitl, already established as one of the NHL`s most formidable offensive talents, is publicly setting his sights on a different kind of achievement: the Frank J. Selke Trophy. This award, given to the forward who demonstrates the most skill in the defensive aspects of the game, represents a new frontier for a player who, last season, was the league`s only 50-goal, 100-point scorer.
Draisaitl’s inspiration comes from a familiar, revered source: Anze Kopitar, the Los Angeles Kings` departing veteran. After Kopitar announced his upcoming retirement, Draisaitl spoke with profound respect:
“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.”
He lauded Kopitar`s two-way game as “as good as it gets. As good as you`ll ever see,” emphasizing the Slovenian`s consistency.
For Draisaitl, who already ranks second in both goals (231) and points (534) over the last five seasons, the Selke represents the ultimate stamp of a truly complete player. It’s the final box to check before an almost certain Hall of Fame induction. He expressed his ambition directly:
“I`d like to be in the Selke conversation at the end of this year. There are a lot of things that go into that, and a lot of things I can learn and get better at. But there are also a lot of things I think do well already.”
This declaration signals a shift in focus, not away from offense, but towards integrating a defensive mastery that could elevate both his individual legacy and, crucially, the Oilers` championship aspirations.
A Unified Pursuit
The stories of Andrew Mangiapane and Leon Draisaitl, while distinct, converge on a singular theme: the relentless pursuit of improvement and collective success. Mangiapane`s journey from rival to teammate, seeking a bounce-back on McDavid’s wing, embodies a new energy and determination. Draisaitl`s ambition to transform from an offensive juggernaut into a defensive stalwart reflects a broader team ethos—that individual growth, even for the league`s elite, is paramount to achieving the ultimate goal. As the season unfolds, these personal quests will undoubtedly be instrumental in defining the Edmonton Oilers` path forward.
