Edmonton Oilers: Milan Lucic Coming Full Circle

The Edmonton Oilers signed Milan Lucic to one of the biggest contracts of the 2016 offseason, expecting him to take over as the first line winger. With that job came the unspoken responsibility of replacing Taylor Hall.

Though Lucic’s numbers are not the worst, they are not the best by any means. In 67 games this season, the 28-year-old winger has 14 goals and 37 points. He has gone through lengthy scoring droughts and appeared unable to keep up with his line at times. This, of course, resulted in demotions and lineup changes for Lucic, who was unable to match Connor McDavid’s speed and chemistry.

Edmonton Oilers

However, recently, head coach Todd McLellan moved him to the second line alongside Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Jordan Eberle. With this line, he has appeared to find chemistry and has brought much more to the ice. In his last five games, Lucic has four points (two goals, two assists) and looks like a much stronger skater.

Now that he is finding his role, he also appears to be finding his touch, which makes him a full-circle transaction.

Defining His Role

Though he has not been a main scorer on the team, Lucic has proven himself to be vital to the Oilers team that is on its way to its first postseason in 10 years. He is said to be one of the main leaders and voices in the locker room and appears to bring positivity and optimism to the locker room.

With Lucic also came a change in culture. This team was no longer going to be thrown around or outplayed, but instead, the Oilers would become of the hardest teams to match-up with. Lucic, along with Patrick Maroon, Zack Kassian and company, bring size, toughness and physicality night in and night out. This has helped the team gain a competitive edge, but it sparks and ignites the entire team to perform better.

Overall, Lucic has appeared to find his role with the team. He is a key member of the Oilers on and off the ice, and for years to come, he will be vital in Edmonton. Right now, he seems to be finding his offensive game and improving on the forecheck. If he finally regains his rhythm, Lucic will surely be of huge help in the postseason.