Former Oiler, Mark Letestu has signed a professional tryout with the Florida Panthers. After being traded by the Oilers to the Nashville Predators at the trade deadline then getting flipped to the Columbus Blue Jackets, the Elk Point Native will look to lift the Stanley Cup in Florida. 

This article is not about a current Oiler, I know. But I love and admire Mark Letestu, and I care about where he is playing and how his life is going. I was secretly hoping the Oilers could re-sign Letestu this summer but I know that’s not really an option. At 33 years of age, Letestu doesn’t have a lot of time left before retirement. At least if the season goes south for Letestu and the Panthers, he will be enjoying his life in a sunny city.

I have absolutely no doubt he will make the Panthers lineup. Letestu’s experience, faceoff skills, grit, and teamwork can find a place in any teams dressing room. As shocking as it was that he wasn’t able to find a cheap, one-year contract with any team during free agency, I’m sure the Panthers will have a spot for him. I hope the best for Mark, and I hope he can find some success with whatever team he ends up with.