The former Edmonton Oilers defender is in town with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
The former Edmonton Oilers defender is in town with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
The Toronto Maple Leafs are in town to play the Edmonton Oilers. The Oilers sit in eighth place in the Western Conference with 47 points - the Maple Leafs are third in the Atlantic Division with 50 points.
Although he made the trip to Edmonton, William Lagesson is not projected to be playing tonight. There were eight defenders skating in practice - and just from looking at the pairings - it looks like Lagesson will draw the short end of the hockey stick.
Of course Oilers fans with a decent memory will know who Lagesson is. Originally a fourth round draft pick in the 2014 NHL entry draft, Lagesson has been on the cusp of being an NHL regular for a few years.
At 27-years of age he has only played in 81 total NHL games in his career. This year he is on pace to eclipse his season high of 33 games - which he achieved in 2021-22 between the Oilers and Montreal Canadiens.
Of course he found his way to the Canadiens as part of the trade that brought Brett Kulak to the Oilers blue line. The hometown player has solidified a place as a stable, mobile third pairing guy who can take on extra minutes in a pinch.
Last season Lagesson spent in the AHL playing 65 games for the Chicago Wolves. He gathered 32 points in those 65 games.
Fast forward to this past summer and he signed a one year deal worth $775,000. He's done well for himself in a primarily third pairing defensive minded role. He's averaging 15:02 of ice time a game - a career high for him.
Whatever the future holds for Lagesson, tonight will be his first night back in this building since he played for the team.
Visit the Striking Oil Podcast website
Subscribe to the Striking Oil YouTube Channel
Bookmark The Hockey News Edmonton Oilers team site to never miss an update on the Oilers.
Related: Ex-Oilers Forward Scores Breakaway Snipe
Related: Oilers Should Trade Struggling Winger for Guentzel
Related: Oilers Have Officially Put the League on Notice
Related: Oilers Star Player Excluded From All-Star Game
Around the NHL
Related: 3 Striking Similarities Between Lightning and Maple Leafs
Related: Lightning GM Gives Steven Stamkos Update