“Long Summer Ahead”: After Getting Picked by Edmonton Oilers in Intense NHL Draft, 20-Year-Old Prodigy Goes Candid

After an intense NHL Draft, the wait is finally over for young center Jayden Grubbe. The Edmonton Oilers signed the former Red Deer Rebels captain on a 3-year contract. Grubbe has over 190 Western Hockey League Games under his belt. He has scored over 35 goals and provided more than 90 assists in the process. Now all eyes are on the Oilers’ prodigy as he takes the next step in his ice hockey career.

The Oilers’ organization now turns their attention to their development program for all the new joiners they acquired from this year’s NHL Draft. All 29 new players showed off their skills during their open sessions at the Downtown Community Arena and one particular prospect was the one to watch. Grubbe knows that Edmonton Oilers went above and beyond to sign him.

Edmonton Oilers went all out for Grubbe

The former Red Deer Rebels Captain was a third-round pick of the New York Rangers back in 2021. However, that association never materialized in an entry-level contract. During this year’s draft, Grubbe had to wait nervously for almost a month, since no suitors were calling him. When he was finally snapped up, it was the Edmonton Oilers who traded their fifth-round pick to the Rangers in order to get the 20-year-old center.

According to an NHL report, Grubb acknowledged the Oilers’ efforts and said, “You know where you’re going and you’re going to an organization that wants you.” The former Rebels captain was relieved that the draft was finally over and wishes he does not go through the uncomfortable situation again.

Edmonton Oilers wasted little time in securing the Canadian center. Their decision to trade their pick to the Rangers speaks volumes about the organization’s belief in Grubbe’s capabilities and the impact they expect him to have on their team. Speaking on his new association with the Oilers, Grubbe said, “It’s a long summer ahead with lots of work to be put in, so it’s exciting.” 

The 6 foot 3 inches, 203 pounds Canadian feels secure with his 3-year contract. He now aims to give it his all for his new employers, starting with playing his best hockey for Bakersfield Condors, the AHL affiliate of the Edmonton Oilers. With his immense skills and remarkable talent, it was clear why the Oilers’ organization went after his signature.

The strengths of Jayden Grubbe

One of Jayden Grubbe’s strengths lies in his defense. When it comes to defense, the 20-year-old prodigy is not aggressive, but rather much more intelligent than his opponent. With a combination of his speed, ability, and hockey IQ, Grubbe is able to scan his opponents and adjusts his positions accordingly. At the same time, this enables him to easily read and intercept the opponent plays by reading switch-offs and eliminating off-puck threats.

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It would be unfair to put too much pressure on one of the youngest members of the Edmonton Oilers organization. But with enough time and the right support system, the 20-year-old has all the right tools in his locker room to leave a lasting impact on the NHL rink.

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