SERIES SO FAR
Strome
Aberg
Bear
Russell
Puljujarvi
Benning
Rattie
Lucic
Draisaitl
Nugent-Hopkins
Talbot
Caggiula
Klefbom
McDavid
As the season was winding down and the Oilers were out of the playoff race, the Surrey, BC, native remained committed to doing anything he could to help his squad. A 2-1 shootout win versus the New York Islanders on March 8, was one indicator of that.
Faced with a fight-or-flight situation, Khaira jumped to the defence of former Oiler Iiro Pakarinen, who was on the receiving end of a Cal Clutterbuck check. The bruiser didn't hesitate to scrap the veteran of 11 NHL seasons, getting the decision by way of a takedown. It promptly energized the group and caused many members of the team to praise Khaira's unselfish act, including McLellan.
"I think he's improving every game," the Oilers bench boss said. "Every day in practice, he's getting more and more confident. He's got more poise with the puck, he's imposing his physicality. That gives him room in the League."
The Oilers third-round selection (63rd-overall) in the 2012 NHL Draft was more than willing to stick up for his teammates.
"It's one of those things where this team is my family. I was always raised that you stick up for your family," Khaira said. "Guys would do that for me. If I can help out, I will."
Khaira compiled seven goals and 13 points in November and December combined. As the year continued, the production declined but his fire on the ice never floundered. The 6-foot-4, 214-pounder found ways to remain in the lineup and prove his worth to the club.
"I feel good about playing him in all different situations," McLellan said. "He was up on the wing for a while, he's penalty killed and he was on the power play. That's a lot of ice time earned on his behalf."
