Patrick Russell, former forward for the Edmonton Oilers, played 59 games with the team between the 2018-19 season, and the 2020-21 season.
He put up 7 points in those games. Russell departs North America this year and will return to Sweden after signing a two-year deal with Linköping HC this offseason, the youth team he played with between 2009 and 2013.
Russell joined the Waterloo Black Hawks in the USHL for the 2013-14 season, racking up 57 points, in 67 games with the team, and he helped them win the Anderson Cup, and reach the Clark Cup championship series.
Russell then joined St. Cloud State University and played there between 2014 and 2016. He made the 2015 All-NCHC rookie team. In his sophomore year, he helped the Huskies capture the NCHC title. In 2 seasons with the club, Russell played 81 games, tallying 66 points.
Russell went undrafted, and signed a two-year entry-level deal with the Oilers in May of 2016, not making his debut with the team until November of 2018. During his split time between the NHL and AHL, Russell put up 84 points in 187 games with the Bakersfield Condors.
Russell has also played for his home country of Denmark on multiple occasions. Playing for their U-18 and U-20 teams prior to playing for their world championship team. Russell was named captain of the U-20 team in the 2012-13 season.
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Russell will play in the SHL this upcoming season.
I was able to get in touch with Russell via Instagram, and I asked him a few questions regarding his time in Edmonton.
Q: Your time with the Oilers is finished, but who did you learn the most from during the time with the organization?
A: Being around guys like Mcdavid and Draisaitl has taught me a lot. Just seeing the small things they do every day in practice is some I have learned a lot from.
Q: Who was your favorite team and player growing up?
A: I didn’t really have a favorite team, but I liked Detroit. For player I would have to say I’ve always enjoyed watching Jarome Iginla play.
Q: Would you change anything about your time in Edmonton?
A: No, I wouldn’t change anything. I’ve really enjoyed my time in Edmonton.
Q: If you had any advice for young hockey players aspiring to play professional hockey, what would that advice be?
A: Work harder than everybody else. Talent will only get you part of the way, you need to work hard and never be satisfied.
A huge thank you goes out to Patrick Russell for lending his time for this Q&A, and a huge good luck in the SHL!