The 29-year-old was with the Bakersfield Condors following the Oilers 2018-19 season but was finding it challenging to crack that lineup. This past summer was difficult for the rearguard, who came into the new campaign ready to take advantage of any opportunity that presented itself.
"The way things went last year, it was disheartening and a tough summer," Manning, who's dressed in 247 career NHL games split between the Flyers, Chicago Blackhawks and Oilers, said.
"It was probably the toughest year of hockey I've ever had. To come in here, get an opportunity to stick around, not to say you don't appreciate it before, but you kind of look at things differently."
Manning is a professional. That is how Oilers Head Coach Dave Tippett is viewing it.
"What he is, is a great teammate and he's accepted a role there," said the Oilers coach. "You saw it last night: when he gets that goal against his old team, the players are really happy for him. They understand how hard that role is and how hard it is just to jump in and away you go."
"They're happy for a guy like that because he's a good teammate, he works hard and understands that he's got to be ready all the time."
The Oilers recalled William Lagesson from the Bakersfield Condors on Thursday, so it is unsure what the plans are for the club's blueline in the coming games. Whatever the case may be, Manning is remaining focused, ready to step in when the opportunity comes. Ready to man up.
"Sitting out the first six or whatever it was wasn't an issue," he said.
"I've been around, I understand how it is patiently waiting for an opportunity and trying to make the best of them."
