May 31, 2023 by Eric Friesen

The Edmonton Oilers acquired forward prospect Jayden Grubbe from the New York Rangers in exchange for a fifth-round pick in the 2023 NHL Draft on Wednesday. The Oilers then signed Grubbe to a three-year, entry-level contract worth $2.775 million.

Grubbe was selected by the Rangers in the third-round (65th overall) of the 2021 NHL Draft from the Red Deer Rebels of the WHL. The 6-foot-3, 203-pound centre played four seasons (2019-2023) with the Rebels, tallying 39 goals and 134 points in 194 career WHL games. He was named team captain in 2020-21.

Grubbe set career-highs in goals (18), assists (49) and points (67) in 64 games last season, and was named to the 2022-23 WHL Central Division Second All-Star Team. Internationally, Grubbe has played for Canada at the 2020 World U-17 Hockey Challenge.

“I think [the Oilers] were super excited to have me, and get me into the organization, and so was I,” Grubbe said on TSN 1260 on Wednesday. “I think it’s good to see that. There’s an opportunity for me, they preached that. They need someone like me, so that’s good to hear. I’m just going to play my game, and they want someone who can bring it all over the ice and play a solid 200-foot game. So, I think that fits my game pretty well, and it’s just an exciting opportunity.”

The 20-year-old Calgary, Alberta native will turn pro with the Bakersfield Condors in the AHL in 2023-24.