Every fall, there’s a dozen or so new hockey players to observe and ponder. Some get a number in the summer, so we can project them as an actual NHL player. Others get a number at orientation camp and a different number at training camp.
Among the ‘established’ NHL players who arrived here mid- or late-career, I was most engaged with Milan Lucic. Having watched the big man play with skill and boss the NHL for fun, I genuinely thought he had enough left to make a difference. I looked forward to what he brought in Boston, including some impressive passing ability. One of the toughest things I’ve ever written was about the Lucic fade and it hurt to watch it happen. He was a favourite of mine.
My “Lucic” this fall is Andrew Mangiapane. I always liked his game and I do believe he’ll find a home with one of Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl at five-on-five. He’s a smart, aggressive player with skill, although those hands seem to be losing some touch. I’m very much looking forward to how he plays and where he slots. There are similarities in terms of age and arrival between AM and ML, but they are not similar players. I’m cheering like hell for a guy I liked even behind enemy lines.
Tony Hand arrived seemingly out of nowhere and left the scene just as quickly. If you were listening to Rod Phillips during preseason 39 years ago, Hand was actual fire. Back then, the radio held sway for preseason and many regular season games, and Phillips filled my brain with the idea Hand was going to be something. He wasn’t alone, as Glen Sather tried to get him to stay and play for a WHL team. In the end, he got homesick (so the story ends, we’re told) and never returned. Every year, one of these kids comes out of the sky and lands a little south of Moline.
My candidate this season is Samuel Jonsson. He might last five minutes or maybe 14 days (like Hand) and I’m here for it. The Oilers need a gift from the hockey Gods, maybe it’s Jonsson. Hey, who are your new favourites?
On the Lowdown today, we’ll talk to Steve Lansky about Tony Hand and the Sather 80’s, and about training camp and the magic of possibilities. Tyler Yaremchuk will talk to us about his hole-in-one extravaganza and we’ll have Declanations too. Noon to 2pm, Sports 1440.
How the Oilers can beat the salary cap despite their top-heavy roster
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6567560/2025/08/22/oilers-value-contracts-salary-cap/
Oilers could get a huge boost from the likes of, Philp, Savoie, Howard, Regula, Lazar, Tomasek, Leppanen, Jarventie, Tomkins & last but not least Jonsson. They look to be a promising group of players. I hope they all can impact the team ASAP, the sooner the better.
I wonder how much money, fame, and legendary status being homesick cost Tony Hand. His crazy run in Britain suggests a lot.
Too bad “home” wasn’t a great woman who would have followed him to Alberta for cups, glory, and a hell of a ride. That could really have worked out.
A Jonsson break-out and playing strong 2-G in the Bake would have the biggest impact.
Philp, Regula and Tomasek breaking camp with the big club…..with course with both Savoie and Howard are my hopefuls…..yes 5 rookies, although 3 have some NHL games played.
meaning both Henrique and Janmark are either moved or in the pressbox.
“Among the ‘established’ NHL players who arrived here mid- or late-career…” I’d say Mangiapane and Lazar are the only established mid-career joining the Oilers to choose from and agree, given his salary and expected placement in the lineup, that Mangiapane having a great year would be the highest impact.
On another note, I am wondering how Savoie and Howard will compare to Arvidsson and J. Skinner. To me, these players may not be that dissimilar and could play similar roles. If the two rookies can outshine the outgoing players that would be significant. But, that may be asking a lot, especially for their first year in the league (if they make it).
I know that Mangiapane doesn’t have the goal scoring history that Arvidsson does (but for his one 35 goal season) but he’s been a consistent 15-18 goal scorer his entire career, including last season in Washington and, for me, the “other elements” he brings will be more consistent than was Arvidsson brought as Arvy was all over the place, up and down and hurt.
It seems we never knew what we were going to get from Arvidsson on any shift, let alone any game or stretch of games.
I think Mangiapane will provide consistency in a strong 2-way game that can play in all situations and up and down the lineup.
Seeing as he’s essentially a 15-18 goal scorer, I do think that, ultimately, he is a great 3rd line fit – he’ll start in the top six but here is hoping, as the year goes on, some of the younger talent push him out of there – not because Mangiapane is struggling per se but on merit.
I couldn’t stand Mangiapane when he was a flame. I guess I can tolerate him as an Oiler.
Hopefully he catches fire in Edmonton.
Jarventie
Matt Savoie is my favourite with honourable mentions to Ike Howard, Jonsson, and Tomasek.
Here’s hoping Matt crushes it in camp and gets a long hard look on a skill line to start the year. If he gets that chance then I fancy him to be a massive success story this season.
Here is hoping that, not only does Jonsson stick in the AHL last year but steals starts from the AHL vet – maybe even the injury call up.
Just imagine if he pops in North America.
London has announced that William Nicholl has had upper body surgery and timeline is 4-6 months recovery.
Sounds like the typical Oiler prospect shoulder surgery.
Sigh.
Major surgery and missing a full year (essentially) in prime development years is often devastating for a mid tier prospect.
At this point in the franchise’s accrued experience and expertise, a shoulder injury might be the safest ailment he could have.
Way back when it was Mariusz Czerkawski, I bet the farm he was going to be the goal scorer we were lacking. In the words of Waylon Jennings; “Wrong”
This season:
Alex Regula
Matt Savoie
Ike Howard is my new favourite. Just hoping for 10 yrs and around 25 goals a year. Piece of cake really.
Im betting he will need half a year in the AHL to learn how to play against men
Bowman has always had a good eye in the past for young talent. Bowman didn’t trade our best prospect so he could waste his 3 ELC years playing patty-cake in the vicious AHL. I don’t think there’s 1 person in the Oilers organization that believe’s he’s not NHL ready this is why they made the trade. This kid will get a early push if he shows a heartbeat he’ll be top 6 if he needs some adjustment time it’ll be bottom 6.
I’m rooting like hell for Jarventie and Regula. If they can ahow that they’re passed their injuries, then we’ve got a couple legit NHL players, both of whom could end up playing many years in Edmonton if they do make it. The question marks around them are real though, so it’ll be interesting to watch how it all plays out.
I really hope Philp can emerge, and my hope is he has the goods to be a solid 3C. The third line needs to have a bigger impact for the team 200 ft and in outscoring. Maybe Nuge can do that, but I am not sure KK will actually keep him there, and Henrique despite always liking the player doesn’t work for me at this point
I would love that. I was a huge fan of him during the UofA years – his potential looked huge even to my untrained eye. I’ll take him emerging as the 4C though, that’s the first target out of camp.
Philp is definitely a favourite. I liked him every time he was with the Oilers last season.
Then it’s Jonsson, who I’ve been rooting for since I first heard about him (& because I’m always looking for young goalies to enjoy, ever since I watched Dryden come out of nowhere to beat that powerful 71 Bruins team).
Philip missed the boat ride last year this coming from my Intel which is me, myself and I. He didn’t impress the boss enough on his audition last year hence the Lazar and to lesser extent the Tomasek signings. Philip is going to need a couple of injuries to get a call from the big guy.
So if Mangiapane is this years Lucic then game 1 of the season I fully expect him to drop the gloves with some hulking defenceman and pound him, just to send a message around the league to beware.
Ain’t never seen much land 90s onward, but I’m hopeful about the new euro pros. Hoping one or both can break in and complement a joint Matt/Ike breakout.
Then we’ll be talking third trip to the final.