The brisk air of Edmonton`s training camp often signals fresh starts, but for the Oilers this season, it heralds a fascinating blend of new strategic acquisitions and seasoned stars reaching for new pinnacles. At the forefront of this narrative are Andrew Mangiapane, a former rival now turned linemate to hockey`s most dominant player, and Leon Draisaitl, an offensive juggernaut who aims to master the art of defense.
Mangiapane`s Journey: From Foe to Friend on McDavid`s Wing
For years, Andrew Mangiapane`s NHL career could be characterized by a relentless pursuit – often, the pursuit of Connor McDavid, attempting to disrupt, to contain, to simply keep pace. From their early days in the Greater Toronto Hockey League to the heated “Battle of Alberta” as a Calgary Flame, Mangiapane found himself on the opposite side of hockey`s most electrifying talent. The irony, as Mangiapane himself noted, is not lost: “It`s funny – now you`re on the same team.”
After a challenging season in Washington and six impactful years contributing to the Flames` physical identity, Mangiapane arrives in Edmonton with a clear mandate: rediscover his form and infuse the Oilers` top-six with his signature “edgy game.” His two-year, $3.6 million AAV deal is a calculated gamble, both for the player seeking a bounce-back and for an Oilers squad looking to diversify its offensive threats. The team`s proactive recruitment, including calls from former on-ice adversaries like Leon Draisaitl and Darnell Nurse, undoubtedly made Mangiapane feel genuinely valued, smoothing over years of on-ice animosity. “I`m sure they`ve hated me on the ice before,” he chuckled, acknowledging the professional boundaries of rivalry.
McDavid, who has long experienced Mangiapane`s tenacious approach from the opposing bench, is pragmatic about his new teammate. “He`s always been that annoying guy on the other side, so it`s nice to have him on our side.” But beyond the irritation, McDavid sees a potent offensive contributor – a player who once notched 35 goals, capable of playing with an edge, winning battles, and driving play with speed. The goal is clear: build a productive partnership.
Mangiapane, now 29 and a new father, understands the nuances of his physical style. “There`s definitely a fine line,” he reflected, acknowledging past instances where his aggression led to untimely penalties. Yet, he maintains that a certain level of anger fuels his best play. The Oilers, fresh off losing a similar “disturber” in Corey Perry, are undoubtedly keen to channel Mangiapane`s competitive fire effectively. His ability to blend grit with offensive production will be crucial to fulfilling his new role and, more importantly, helping the Oilers achieve their ultimate goal: a deep playoff run, an experience Mangiapane has yet to fully realize.
Leon Draisaitl`s Selke Quest: Rounding Out a Hall of Fame Caliber Game
While Mangiapane seeks to solidify his role, Leon Draisaitl is embarking on a different, yet equally ambitious, journey: a quest for defensive excellence. The German forward, already a Hart Trophy and Art Ross Trophy winner, and consistently one of the league`s top offensive producers, has publicly declared his ambition to be in the “Selke conversation” by season`s end. The Selke Trophy, awarded to the forward who best excels in the defensive aspects of the game, represents the final frontier for a player already destined for the Hall of Fame.
Draisaitl`s inspiration for this defensive pivot comes, in part, from a living legend he considers an idol: Anze Kopitar of the Los Angeles Kings, who recently announced his impending retirement. Draisaitl`s respect for Kopitar`s “exquisite” two-way game, learned from playing against him and alongside him at the 2016 World Cup, underscores the seriousness of his intent. “It`s as good as it gets. As good as you`ll ever see,” Draisaitl remarked about Kopitar`s defensive consistency.
For a player who last year was the NHL`s sole 50-goal, 100-point scorer, and ranks second in goals and points over the past five seasons, this focus on defense isn`t born of necessity but of ambition. It`s the mark of a truly great athlete who refuses to rest on his laurels, constantly seeking to refine every facet of his performance. Draisaitl believes he already possesses many of the necessary defensive skills, but his public declaration signals a heightened commitment to the discipline, positioning, and strategic awareness required to compete for the Selke.
Should Draisaitl achieve this rare feat – combining elite offensive production with top-tier defensive acumen – it would not only cement his legacy as one of the most complete players of his generation but also profoundly impact the Oilers` overall team strength. A defensively responsible Draisaitl, paired with Mangiapane`s invigorated two-way presence, could transform the Oilers into an even more formidable, championship-caliber contender.
The Edmonton Oilers, therefore, are not just entering a new season; they are navigating a strategic evolution. With Mangiapane seeking redemption and Draisaitl chasing a new dimension of greatness, the upcoming campaign promises to be a compelling narrative of ambition, adaptation, and the relentless pursuit of hockey`s ultimate prize.
Ellis Thorne