Longshot turns tryout into contract with Oilers

There were no promises waiting for Colton Sceviour when he came to Edmonton Oilers training camp, just a fair chance to prove what he can do.

That was good enough for him because, as it turns out, he's good enough to play for the Oilers.

“It's pretty exciting because a lot of PTOS turn into nothing,” said the 32-year-old utility forward, who turned his professional tryout into a roster spot on opening night Wednesday against the Vancouver Canucks. “To get a new contract and be here for the home opener is awesome, it's really exciting.”

The Oilers saw enough of Sceviour's work ethic and versatility to win them over, so they signed him to a one-year, two-way contract Wednesday worth US$750,000.

They immediately cashed in on that investment when they needed someone to bump up to the third line in place of injured Zack Kassian.

“He's a solid pro,” said head coach Dave Tippett, who also needed to replace Josh Archibald's skill set. “He did a pretty good job (penalty killing) in training camp and he's a versatile guy who can play all three forward positions.

“We're looking for some added depth in there and he already came in handy with Kass being out. He's had a good camp.”

It's a sigh of relief and a sense of accomplishment for Sceviour, who says there isn't much a player on a PTO lifeline can do but roll up the sleeves and make the general manager an offer he can't refuse.

“You have to come in with some sort of belief in yourself or you're wasting your time and everyone else's,” said Sceviour, who's played 500 games for Dallas, Florida and Pittsburgh.

Sceviour's new teammates already appreciate what he brings to the team.

“First of all, he's a great guy, seems like a great team guy,” said Leon Draisaitl. “He puts the team first, sacrifices his body, does the little things right. He's someone who is going to be important to our team.

“With Archie (Archibald) being out right now, he's going to try to bring that same intangible to our team. And he's going to be big on the penalty kill, so we're glad to have him.”

Sceviour's father, Darin, played one career NHL game, for the Chicago Blackhawks, in 1986-87. He also played 31 games for Edmonton's then-farm team, the Nova Scotia Oilers.

“He was my coach up until bantams,” said Sceviour. “He's one of the best coaches I've ever had because of the stuff he taught me at a very young age. I'm probably not here without him.”

CAPTAIN FLUFF

In addition to being one of the best passers in the NHL, Draisaitl is also one of the best shooters. It's a deadly combination that's already earned him Art Ross and Ted Lindsay awards.

Connor Mcdavid also has some good skills, but a devastating one-timer isn't really one of them. So, like all superstars, he's been sharpening that weapon regularly in practice. He's not there yet, apparently, but nobody doubts he'll get there soon enough.

“(The shot) is fluffing off really nice,” joked Draisaitl.