Only 17 games into his NHL career, that fantasy has become reality. Khaira notched his first career marker against the Arizona Coyotes in the Oilers 3-1 victory Monday night.
"Growing up as a kid, playing street hockey and all that, you just always picture it in your head while you're playing," Khaira said post-game. "It's a reality now and it feels good."
The tally put the Oilers up by two and was prompted by some hard work in the offensive zone.
"Zack] Kassian got down on the forecheck and created a turnover and hit [Mark] Letestu in the slot," Khaira said. "I just opened up and presented my stick and Letestu gave it on a silver platter to me."
The 22-year-old had nothing but praise for the teammates that helped set the play up.
"Kudos to those guys."
Prior to being called up,
[Khaira's game had been evolving in Bakersfield with the Condors
. Oilers Head Coach Todd McLellan commented on his development after the game.
"His graduation from, for lack of a better term, from grade to grade or class to class has been just fine for his development," he said. "He has size, he has a pretty good mind, he can play centre or wing, he gets around the ice surface pretty good and we know he has an element of toughness as well. There's a lot of attributes that he brings to the table and if he keeps developing them he has an opportunity at a future."
In 8:39 of ice-time, Khaira had two shots on goal, one hit and finished a plus-one to go along with the goal.
