Jayden Grubbe’s Path to the Edmonton Oilers
1 year ago
The Edmonton Oilers have done a great job of finding young talent in a variety of ways.
When it comes to acquiring prospects there’s the most common way of drafting players at the NHL Entry Draft, which the Oilers have succeeded at in many drafts. There’s also the option of signing players from the NCAA ranks, as they did with Ryan Fanti and Carl Berglund. However, the way they acquired Jayden Grubbe was unique and not something you see in the NHL.
Grubbe’s rights belonged to the New York Rangers after they drafted him 65th overall at the 2021 NHL Entry Draft. The two parties were unable to come to a contract agreement before the drop dead date, meaning that Grubbe was heading back into the draft, two years after being selected. Shortly before the deadline, the Oilers managed to swing a deal with the Rangers and bring Grubbe to Edmonton for a 5th-round pick in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft.
Spending the 5th-round pick was likely where the Oilers would have taken Grubbe anyways, so by making the trade, you save the hassle of missing out on him.
“It was crazy going right up to the deadline,” said Grubbe on potentially going back into the draft. “It was relieving to get the deal done and not have to go through the draft, again. Now, you know where you’re going, and it’s to an organization that wants you. It worked out perfectly for me.”
Many Oilers fans may have heard or watched Grubbe play before Edmonton acquired him. One of the newest Edmonton Oilers played for the Red Deer Rebels in the Western Hockey League and would have made plenty of visits to Rogers Place to faceoff against the Edmonton Oil Kings.
Grubbe has played 194 games for the Rebels scoring 39 goals and 134 points. The numbers are good, but the biggest standout it is that he captained Red Deer for three years. Typically in junior hockey, you will change your captain every year or have them for two years at best.
“My style of game is a strong 200-foot power forward centreman,” said Grubbe on his style of play. “I am someone who plays in all situations. I want to play in whatever role is needed and pitch in offensively too. At this point, they (Edmonton Oilers) are a really strong team, and maybe they’re looking for that. If not, I am playing that game either way if they eventually need someone like that.”
Grubbe wrapped up his first Edmonton Oilers Development Camp last week and looked impressive throughout. The Oilers have a couple of options for Grubbe next season. They could either send him back to the Red Deer Rebels for his 20-year-old season, or he can head to the American League to join the Bakersfield Condors.
With the unfortunate departure of Noah Philp, an opportunity for Bakersfield has made itself available. Additionally, considering he has almost played 200 games in the WHL, it feels likely that Edmonton send Grubbe to the Condors for his first taste of professional hockey.
“I was really excited,” said Grubbe on getting traded to the Edmonton Oilers. “It’s a great organization, and it seems like there’s room for young guys to step in. That’s what I was hoping for, and it worked out really well for me.”
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