In comparison to his first contract year with the Edmonton Oilers, forward Mark Letestu has greatly improved in 2016-17.
Letestu’s first season with the Oilers was plagued with inconsistency and bottom-six struggles, as well as poor possession metrics. Not to mention, his performance plagued that of his teammates, and for a lot of the time, he would not be able to carry his own line.
Edmonton Oilers
Through 82 games last season, Letestu posted a -5.6 relative Corsi, as well as just 10 goals and 25 points. Letestu was also a career worse minus-21 with the Oilers in 2015-16. Not to mention, most of his linemates posted better possession metrics when not playing with the 32-year-old.
This year, while he hasn’t been much better analytically, Letestu has shown great improvement. There is more drive and effort in his game, and he is an effective skater and wears many hats for Edmonton. He posted 16 goals and 35 points this past year and was only a minus-2 in 2016-17.
Letestu has served as an asset on special teams, and not only adds more edge and physicality to his game but knows his role. He is able to make himself big and get in front of the net, helping him jump on loose pucks and rebounds. On the penalty kill, he can backcheck efficiently and keep the puck out of the zone.
Perhaps one of his biggest assets comes in the faceoff dot. The Elkpoint, Alberta native won over 50 percent of his draws and comes in clutch when the Oilers have to win a critical faceoff. This has carried over into the playoffs and has benefitted the team greatly.
In the postseason, Letestu has thrived. He is the team’s second-leading scorer in the playoffs with five goals and 11 points through 12 playoff games.
Overall, he has proven to grow and improve since a rough debut season with the team. Though a veteran, Letestu brings plenty on and off the ice and will continue to do that with the team moving forward.