It’s straightforward to label James Hamblin as an underdog to play within the NHL. He wasn’t drafted, and he stands solely five-foot-nine.
But because the Edmonton Oilers’ pre-season involves an finish Friday towards the Seattle Kraken, he’s nonetheless combating for a spot on the crew.
“I’m simply right here doing my greatest,” Hamblin stated after Thursday’s apply.
“Whether or not I’m an underdog or not, I don’t actually care.”
Hamblin, 23, spent the final two seasons within the AHL with the Bakersfield Condors, the place he was coached by Jay Woodcroft for a season-and-a-half.
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“When he first got here in in the course of the pandemic 12 months, I didn’t know a lot about him,” Woodcroft recalled. “I watched a bit little bit of video on him. He was somebody who stood out on a day-by-day foundation — saved getting higher.
“He regularly elevated his minutes performed and his significance in our ahead grouping down there.”
“I do know all of his techniques,” Hamblin stated of Woodcroft. “Nothing is de facto knew to me.
“I can simply bounce in and play my recreation with out having actually to suppose.”
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The Oilers signed Hamblin to a two-year deal within the low season. He has made probably the most of it to date. He was one of many leaders on the Younger Stars event in Penticton, B.C., in September. Within the pre-season, he’s netted two targets.
NHL profile picture on Edmonton Oilers participant James Hamblin at a recreation towards the Calgary Flames in Calgary, Alta. on Sept. 26, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS IMAGES/Larry MacDougal.
THE CANADIAN PRESS IMAGES/Larry MacDougal
“I set a objective of making an attempt to make the crew out of camp. Clearly, I do know the hurdles I’ve to recover from to do this,” Hamblin defined.
“I’ve to do all of the little issues proper, being that versatile participant. I believe that’s what’s finally going to get me up into this league.”
“He’s nonetheless combating daily. Each rep he will get in apply is necessary to him,” Woodcroft famous.
The Oilers host the Seattle Kraken on Friday night time. You’ll be able to take heed to the sport stay on 630 CHED, starting with The Faceoff Present at 5:30 p.m. The precise recreation is at 7 p.m.
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