Foegele ready for fresh playoff experience with Kings vs Oilers in Western 1st Round

For Warren Foegele, the Stanley Cup Playoffs bring a wave of familiarity—with a twist. After three seasons with the Edmonton Oilers, where he developed a hard-nosed, two-way presence as a middle-six winger, Foegele now finds himself preparing for a postseason series against his former team. Only this time, he’s wearing a different uniform—that of the Los Angeles Kings.

The irony is rich, the stakes are high, and the moment is personal. As the Kings and Oilers square off in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs for the third straight year, Foegele finds himself on the other side of the line, ready to help L.A. slay the dragon that has haunted them the last two postseasons.

“I wouldn’t say it’s weird, but it’s definitely exciting,” Foegele said in a recent media availability. “It’s a great opportunity. These are the moments you live for as a player.”

From Opponent to Insider

Foegele, 28, was traded to the Kings at the trade deadline in March, part of a strategic depth move by L.A.’s front office. With his blend of grit, speed, and playoff experience, Foegele immediately slotted in as a crucial cog in the Kings’ bottom-six rotation.

But more importantly, his experience with the Oilers offers the Kings a rare edge—a player who knows the habits, tendencies, and systems of one of the league’s most offensively potent teams.

“It’s not like I have the entire Oilers playbook in my head,” Foegele chuckled. “But I spent a lot of time with those guys—practicing with them, studying film, going to battle in games. I know what they like to do, especially on special teams. So if I can help the coaches and the boys in any way, I’m all for it.”

Los Angeles head coach Jim Hiller agreed, noting that Foegele’s insight has been a subtle but important addition during their pre-series prep.

“Having Warren in our room gives us a level of familiarity that you just don’t get in most matchups,” Hiller said. “But more than that, he’s been playing some of his best hockey since joining us. He’s fast, responsible, and he’s not afraid to go into the dirty areas. We’ll need that grit in this series.”

Redemption on Both Sides

Foegele’s journey to L.A. has been anything but linear. Drafted by Carolina in the third round of the 2014 NHL Entry Draft, he broke into the league as a responsible two-way winger with a knack for clutch goals. After three seasons with the Hurricanes, he was traded to Edmonton in 2021. His tenure with the Oilers was marked by inconsistency, often fluctuating between the second and third lines, and dealing with injuries and stretches of diminished ice time.

But this season—his contract year—Foegele found another gear. Before the trade, he was on pace for a career-best 18 goals and looked more confident with the puck. The Kings took notice.

“He was one of those players we circled as being a potential difference-maker in the playoffs,” Kings GM Rob Blake said. “He’s playoff-tested, he’s a north-south guy, and he can chip in offensively without sacrificing the defensive side. Those are the kinds of guys you win rounds with.”

Now, with the Oilers again loaded and expected to make a deep run, Foegele has a chance to show his former team what they gave up—and help the Kings finally break through.

The Kings’ Playoff Puzzle

The Kings come into the playoffs as the third seed in the Pacific Division, matching up once again with their recent postseason nemesis. Edmonton knocked them out in both 2022 and 2023—each time in six games. Though both series were tightly contested, Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl proved too much to handle down the stretch.

This year, the Kings feel more balanced, healthier, and—thanks to acquisitions like Foegele—deeper.

“Experience is a big thing,” said veteran center Phillip Danault. “We’ve been through two playoff wars with those guys. We know what to expect, and now we’ve got some extra guys who can push back. Warren’s definitely one of them.”

For Foegele, the assignment will likely include penalty-kill duty, matching up against Edmonton’s lethal power play—one he practiced against almost daily while with the Oilers. His ability to close gaps quickly and block shooting lanes has already made him a favorite of the Kings’ coaching staff.

“Look, you can’t stop those guys completely,” Foegele said, referring to McDavid and Draisaitl. “But you can slow them down. You can force them to the outside, make them earn every inch. That’s the kind of hockey I love to play.”

Familiar Faces, No Hard Feelings

Despite the playoff intensity, Foegele insists there’s no bitterness toward the Oilers. He still maintains friendships with several former teammates and credits his time in Edmonton for helping him mature as a player.

“It’s a business, and trades happen,” he said. “I had some great memories with the Oilers. Playoff runs, big goals, tight locker room. But now I’m focused on helping the Kings win. That’s my only priority.”

Asked whether he expects any chirping from former teammates during the series, Foegele grinned.

“Yeah, probably,” he laughed. “But it’s all love. Once the puck drops, we’re all competitors. It’s going to be intense.”

Oilers captain Connor McDavid echoed that sentiment.

“Foegele’s a great guy, and we all liked having him here,” McDavid said. “But once we’re on the ice, it’s just about getting the job done. We know what he brings, and we’ll be ready.”

A Chance to Write a New Chapter

At 28, Foegele is entering the prime of his career, and this postseason could be a defining stretch. Whether it’s shutting down elite opposition, scoring a key goal, or making a clutch play on the forecheck, his role may not always be glamorous—but it will be vital.

“It’s not about stats in the playoffs,” Foegele said. “It’s about moments. One blocked shot, one puck battle, one smart play—that can swing a game, or a series.”

In Game 1, expect Foegele to be on the ice early and often. Whether he’s helping kill penalties, matching up against the Oilers’ middle six, or simply bringing energy with every shift, the Kings are counting on him to be the kind of player who thrives in the chaos of playoff hockey.

And for Foegele, it’s a chance to make a statement—not just to his old team, but to the league.

“I just want to help this group win,” he said. “That’s what it’s all about. New team, new opportunity. Let’s make the most of it.”

The Bigger Picture

While much of the attention will naturally fall on the stars—McDavid, Draisaitl, Kevin Fiala, Anže Kopitar—it’s often the lesser-known players who tilt a series. In that regard, Foegele may be the Kings’ secret weapon.

“We’ve said it before—the playoffs are about depth,” said Kings assistant coach Trent Yawney. “You need contributions from every line. Warren gives us that dimension. He’s been there, and he’s hungry.”

That hunger has been evident in his play. Since joining the Kings, Foegele has registered 6 points in 14 games, while posting strong possession numbers and consistently winning puck battles along the boards.

He’s also brought a quiet leadership to the locker room—something not lost on the younger players.

“He talks to everyone,” said Kings rookie Alex Laferriere. “Always encouraging, always giving little tips. But he also leads by example. You watch how he prepares, how he plays every shift—it’s inspiring.”

Looking Ahead

The Kings are hoping that this year, the third time is the charm against Edmonton. And Foegele could be the key difference-maker they’ve been missing.

For him, it’s a full-circle moment—going from being part of Edmonton’s playoff engine to trying to derail it.

“It’s funny how hockey works sometimes,” Foegele said. “You just go where you’re needed and give everything you’ve got. I’m grateful to be here, and I’m ready for this challenge.”

As Game 1 looms, the intensity is already palpable. But one thing is clear: Warren Foegele is no longer an Oiler. He’s a King. And he’s ready to make his mark.