Edmonton Oilers: Drake Caggiula In Pursuit of Roster Spot

The focus for most of the Edmonton Oilers prospects at orientation camp in Jasper, Alberta, this week, is mainly on learning the systems of play and just getting to know the coaches and other prospects in the organization. As for Drake Caggiula, it’s about showing Head Coach Todd McLellan that he’s ready to play in the NHL this fall.

“You want to show them that you’re prepared and that you’re working out throughout the summer,” Caggiula said in an interview with Oilers TV at Orientation Camp. “I think it’s a good time to get your feet wet and kind of show off what you have. It’s still an orientation camp, you’re not going to make the team or get cut from the team at this camp, but at the same time, it’s kind of good to get your foot in the door and show what you’re capable of.”

The undrafted Caggiula played four years (2012-2016) with the University of North Dakota Fighting Hawks, registering 62 goals and 127 points in 162 career NCAA games.  He wrapped up his college hockey career by leading North Dakota to the 2016 NCAA Frozen Four title this past April and also earned the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player award.

“It was a dream come true,” Caggiula said on winning the national championship. “You know, any time you leave your team on a winning note like that, it’s a pretty special feeling.”

The 22-year-old Whitby, Ontario native signed a two-year, entry-level contract with the Oilers worth $2.7 million in early May. As this year’s top NCAA free agent, Caggiula likely could have signed with any team around the NHL, but soon realized that Edmonton was the perfect fit for him.

“I felt great here. I texted my dad halfway through my visit (to Edmonton) and said I think I want to be an Oiler. I fell in love with the city. I took a tour of the rink, which is state of the art. I like the coaching staff and the management, the style of play.

“I’m very lucky to be part of (this team). There’s a young group of core players here and hopefully I can be a part of that core and grow with them. It’s a special time to be part of this program.”

The 5-foot-10, 185 pound left winger also mentioned the opportunity to play on the same team as Connor McDavid, who he has known since high school, was a factor in his decision to join the Oilers.

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“When I was choosing a team I talked to him a little bit about what he thought of Edmonton, and he gave me some really good insight. I leaned on him for direction and he helped me out.”

Looking at the Oilers’ depth chart today, you could pencil in Milan Lucic, Benoit Pouliot, Patrick Maroon and Matt Hendricks as Edmonton’s four left-wingers to start the season. Pouliot’s name has been tossed around in trade rumours for the past few weeks, so a roster spot could potentially open up for Caggiula to steal, but at this time he’s still an Oiler and a better option than Caggiula for this fall.

It would not be the worst thing in the world for Caggiula’s development to begin his professional career with the Bakersfield Condors in the AHL. He would likely play on the Condors’ top line and see major minutes on the first power-play unit. That said, I think Caggiula would have to be one of the first call-ups from Bakersfield as an injury replacement.

Caggiula knows there’s still a lot of hard work ahead of him to make it at the next level, but he feels ready for the challenge.

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“I think (playing in the NHL) is a little different than college hockey. Everyone is bigger, faster, stronger, smarter and there’s going to be an adjustment period. But at the same time I think I’m a quick learner and I hope I can learn as quick as possible and really get adjusted to the pro game.”