As the Edmonton Oilers hit the ice for training camp, the air is thick with anticipation. Not just for another playoff run, but for the intriguing subplots emerging from two key players: Andrew Mangiapane, a recent acquisition eager for a career resurgence, and Leon Draisaitl, a bonafide superstar setting his sights on an unconventional accolade.
The Unexpected Ally: Andrew Mangiapane Trades Flames for Oilers` Fire
For years, Andrew Mangiapane was a thorn in the side of the Edmonton Oilers, a feisty forward embodying the fierce rivalry of the “Battle of Alberta” while donning a Calgary Flames jersey. Before that, he was simply another talented prospect perpetually chasing the prodigious Connor McDavid across minor league rinks in the Greater Toronto Hockey League. Now, in a turn of events that would make any scriptwriter proud, Mangiapane finds himself not only an Oiler but skating on the same line as the very player he spent a lifetime trying to contain.
“You always had to shadow him, even at that young age,” Mangiapane reflected, a subtle hint of irony in his voice. “It’s funny — now you’re on the same team.” Indeed, for a player known for his tenacious, “edgy” game, joining the former adversary might feel like a tactical surrender or, perhaps, the ultimate career power play. After a respectable but somewhat disappointing year with the Washington Capitals, and six seasons prior battling for the Flames, Mangiapane arrives in Edmonton on a two-year, $3.6 million AAV deal, tasked with bringing his brand of sandpaper and scoring touch to a team hungry for depth.
His recent seasons have seen a dip from a career-high 35 goals, settling closer to a 20-goal, 40-point pace. For the Oilers, the hope is that playing alongside generational talents like McDavid can reignite that offensive spark. Mangiapane, now a seasoned 29-year-old and a new father in Edmonton, acknowledges the need to temper his aggression. “There’s definitely a fine line,” he admitted, referring to past instances with the Flames where his intensity led to penalties. “But I think it does help me to play my game. I play better, maybe, a little bit on that angrier side.” It’s a delicate balance: maintaining the grit without undermining the team, a challenge he seems poised to embrace with a newfound sense of purpose.
“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. Looking to build something with him.”
— Connor McDavid on Andrew Mangiapane
Leon Draisaitl`s Unconventional Ambition: From Scoring King to Defensive Maestro?
While Mangiapane seeks to reclaim his scoring prowess, another Oilers star, Leon Draisaitl, is embarking on a different, arguably more surprising, quest. Already established as one of the NHL`s most dominant offensive forces – the only 50-goal, 100-point player in the league last year, and second in both goals and points over the past five seasons – Draisaitl now openly expresses his desire to enter the “Selke conversation.”
The Frank J. Selke Trophy is awarded annually to the forward who demonstrates the most skill in the defensive aspects of the game. For a player whose career has been largely defined by his staggering offensive output, this declaration signals a significant shift in focus, a desire to round out his game and etch his name into the annals of hockey as a truly complete player.
The inspiration for this ambition comes, fittingly, from a retiring legend: Anze Kopitar of the Los Angeles Kings. Draisaitl described Kopitar as his idol, learning from him both as an opponent and a World Cup teammate. “Kopy was always my idol, growing up. I’ve learned so much from playing against him, watching him,” Draisaitl stated. “It’s as good as it gets. As good as you’ll ever see.” Draisaitl praised Kopitar`s consistency and exquisite two-way game, a benchmark he now aims to reach.
This pursuit of defensive excellence by an offensive juggernaut isn`t without its challenges. The Selke is typically associated with shutdown centers, players often sacrificing some offensive flair for defensive responsibility. Yet, Draisaitl believes he already possesses many of the necessary attributes and is ready to refine others. It`s a bold ambition that, if realized, would elevate his already Hall of Fame-bound career to another echelon, placing him among the rare few who master both ends of the rink with equal authority.
A Season of Dual Purpose
The narratives of Mangiapane and Draisaitl, though distinct, converge on a common goal: elevating the Edmonton Oilers. Mangiapane`s integration is expected to add valuable depth, experience, and the very “sandpaper” he was once known for applying *against* the Oilers. His personal mission for a bounce-back year directly translates into enhanced team performance, particularly if he can harness his edgy play into impactful, disciplined contributions.
Meanwhile, Draisaitl`s pursuit of the Selke Trophy signifies a commitment to comprehensive team play. Imagine an Oilers team where one of its primary offensive drivers is also a top-tier defensive forward. This dual threat could transform the team`s defensive identity, adding another layer of formidable skill to an already potent roster. It suggests a maturity in Draisaitl`s game, understanding that individual accolades, even defensive ones, ultimately serve the collective aspiration for a championship.
As the new season unfolds, all eyes will be on these two players. Will Mangiapane recapture his peak form and become the impactful top-six forward the Oilers envision? And can Draisaitl truly master the defensive arts while maintaining his offensive supremacy, earning a Selke nod in the process? These are not just individual stories; they are crucial chapters in the Oilers` ongoing quest for ultimate hockey glory, promising a season rich with intriguing developments and, perhaps, a touch of unexpected brilliance.