Born and raised in Calgary before moving up the highway to play four seasons with the Red Deer Rebels in the WHL, it’s fair to say that Jayden Grubbe didn’t grow up as a big fan of the Edmonton Oilers, let alone think he might play for them one day.

But when the New York Rangers, who selected the Rebels’ captain 65^th overall at the 2021 Entry Draft, still hadn’t signed Grubbe with the deadline approaching June 1, the Oilers stepped up on May 31 and offered the Rangers a fifth-round pick to get him. Done deal.

As unlikely as it seemed five weeks ago, Grubbe has the ink done on a three-year entry level contract with the Oilers and his chance to make it in the NHL will come here in Edmonton. How that will play out, we don’t know yet, but Grubbe is one of the better stories coming out of the Oilers development camp this week.

While his hometown Calgary Flames seem to be imploding down the road in what has been an off-season of turmoil, the Oilers are seen as a team on the rise. Grubbe, 20, a six-foot-three, 200-pound center billed as a two-way player, has a chance to fit into the plans here after some time in Bakersfield.

“It was right up to the deadline there the last day, so it was just relieving to get it done and not have to go through that again,” Grubbe said of Edmonton making the move before the deadline. “You know where you’re going and you’re going to an organization that wants you.

“It’s a good opportunity and a great organization. It seems like there’s some room for some young guys to step in, so that’s what I was hoping for, and it worked out really well for me. I think my style of game is a strong 200-foot centreman, power forward and someone who plays in all situations, is good defensively, on face-offs and the penalty kill — whatever is needed.

“They reached out and they expressed how excited they are and were super welcoming. Everyone’s telling you they’re looking forward to you coming to camp, so that’s something you keep in mind over the summer when you’re training and on the ice. I have that goal of making it pro and it couldn’t have turned out better.”

With the uncertainty of where he’d end up behind him and Grubbe focused on being ready for camp and finding out where he fits with the Oilers, the summer of 2023 marks a significant turning point in how his hockey future might unfold. It’s an intriguing storyline to be sure, with much more still to come. Stay tuned.