From Underdog to Breakout Hero: How Picks Came Up Big for the Oilers This Season and Captivated Hockey Fans Everywhere

There are storylines in sports that feel inevitable — the seasoned superstar dominating yet again, the high-profile rookie making headlines, or the powerhouse team steamrolling its way to the top. And then there are the stories that blindside even the most loyal fanbase, the unexpected rise of a player so unlikely, so refreshing, that it reignites belief in the magic of sport itself. For the Edmonton Oilers this past season, that player was Picks.

No, Picks wasn’t supposed to be the guy. Draft experts didn’t have him circled in bold print. Analysts weren’t building segments around his name before puck drop in October. But as the Oilers waged battle after battle in one of the most intense NHL seasons in recent memory, it became impossible to ignore the undeniable impact that Picks brought every single night.

His real name? Sure, the fans know it. But around Rogers Place and across the league, he simply became “Picks” — a nickname born from his uncanny ability to pick passes, pick pockets, pick apart defensive schemes, and pick up his team when they needed it most.

Heading into the 2024-25 NHL campaign, the Oilers were a team on the cusp. With Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and a veteran core desperate to turn years of promise into a Stanley Cup parade, expectations were towering. Yet, beneath the surface, questions loomed about depth, grit, and whether the supporting cast could elevate when it mattered most.

Enter Picks.

His journey to this moment is what truly makes the story remarkable. A mid-round draft selection, Picks wasn’t greeted by cameras and confetti on draft night. Instead, he quietly went to work, grinding through the minors, embracing every assignment, and refusing to let skepticism dictate his future. Scouts admired his raw tools but questioned whether his game would translate to the NHL’s blistering pace. Critics wondered if he could withstand the physicality and mental strain of the league.

But Picks, with the kind of resolve only forged in the shadows, kept climbing.

It wasn’t long into training camp that whispers began circulating within the Oilers organization. Teammates noticed his work ethic. Coaches saw the precision in his decision-making. And when preseason action rolled around, Picks made it impossible to overlook him. His defensive awareness, relentless forecheck, and unexpected offensive instincts turned heads, but few predicted just how vital he would become.

By midseason, Picks had cemented himself not only as a roster regular but as one of the most consistent contributors for an Oilers squad battling for playoff position. His stat sheet may not have sparkled with McDavid-esque flash, but the subtleties of his game — the key takeaway at the blue line, the blocked shot in the final minute, the deft pass to spring an odd-man rush — made him indispensable.

What elevated Picks from a nice surprise to a true fan favorite, however, was his knack for coming up big when it counted.

Consider the early February clash against the Los Angeles Kings. The Oilers were reeling, losers of three straight, their playoff hopes wobbling, their confidence fading. With the game deadlocked late in the third period, Picks intercepted a breakout pass, weaved through defenders, and rifled home his first career game-winning goal. The eruption inside Rogers Place that night wasn’t just about the win — it was about witnessing an underdog seizing his moment.

And seize it he did, repeatedly.

Picks’ impact extended beyond goals and assists. His presence on the penalty kill was monumental. His willingness to sacrifice his body, absorb hits, and maintain composure in high-pressure scenarios mirrored the traits of seasoned veterans. Yet, at every turn, Picks carried himself with humility — an acknowledgment of how far he’d come and how much further he aspired to go.

The narrative surrounding Picks snowballed as the Oilers surged down the stretch. Media outlets began highlighting his journey, opposing coaches praised his tenacity, and Oilers fans couldn’t help but rally behind him. Jerseys with “Picks” stitched across the back became a common sight at home games. Social media buzzed with montages of his plays, complete with catchy hashtags and tribute videos.

But perhaps no moment defined Picks’ season more than the Oilers’ playoff run.

In Game 5 of a first-round dogfight against the Vegas Golden Knights, with the series deadlocked 2-2 and tension palpable, Picks delivered a sequence that will be etched into Oilers folklore. Late in the third period, with Edmonton nursing a precarious one-goal lead, Vegas mounted a furious attack. Picks, stationed along the boards, anticipated the cross-ice pass, leapt into the lane, and with surgical precision, poked the puck free. What followed was a blistering footrace, Picks streaking down the ice, the crowd rising in unison, and a cold-blooded finish that sealed the victory.

His postgame interview was classic Picks — deflecting praise, crediting teammates, and shrugging off the magnitude of his contribution. But Oilers Nation knew. They had witnessed the emergence of a player whose heart, hockey IQ, and unrelenting drive made him irreplaceable.

The deeper the Oilers advanced, the more Picks solidified his reputation as a clutch performer. His defensive metrics skyrocketed, his ice time climbed, and his ability to rise to the occasion never wavered. Though the Oilers ultimately fell short of their Stanley Cup dream, Picks’ breakout season provided a beacon of hope and a testament to perseverance.

For a franchise defined in recent years by elite top-end talent but criticized for a lack of complementary depth, Picks’ arrival couldn’t have been scripted better. His success symbolized the importance of player development, scouting beyond the obvious, and believing in character as much as raw skill.

Looking ahead, the future feels different for the Oilers. Yes, McDavid and Draisaitl remain the cornerstones. But now, they are flanked by the likes of Picks — players who embody grit, determination, and a team-first mentality that transforms contenders into champions.

As the offseason unfolds, debates about trades, signings, and draft picks will dominate the headlines. But one thing is certain: Picks is no longer an afterthought. He’s a key cog in Edmonton’s engine, a player whose journey resonates far beyond box scores, and a reminder that the NHL’s greatest stories often come from the most unexpected places.

For every young player grinding in obscurity, for every fan craving a fresh hero to rally behind, Picks’ remarkable season serves as inspiration. His rise wasn’t built on hype or headlines, but on heart, hustle, and the unwavering belief that no dream is too distant.

In the annals of Oilers history, his story is still being written — but what a chapter this past season turned out to be.