Taylor Fedun overcomes horrific injury to make Oilers debut, score first NHL goal (Video)
Taylor Fedun looked poised to make his NHL debut for the Edmonton Oilers back in 2011-12 season, but a freak accident during a preseason game put his entire career in jeopardy. Versus the Minnesota Wild on September 30, 2011, Fedun went crashing into the end boards after a puck race with Eric Nystrom.
The collision broke his femur (thigh bone). Many wondered if that was it for the NHL dreams of the undrafted blueliner.
The defensemen missed the entire 2011-12 season after a rod was put in his leg. But he didn't quit, returning to the ice in 2012-13 and playing the whole year with the Oklahoma City Barons. Finally, more than two years after his expected NHL debut, with Edmonton's blueline thinned due to injuries, Fedun actually got the call to join the big club Tuesday night versus the Panthers.
And he scored.
Fedun was one of two Oilers to score his first NHL goal within 33 seconds. Mark Arcobello was the other.
Sadly, Arcobello's goal was a little overshadowed by Fedun's, probably because it wasn't an incredible capper to a story of true perseverance. Those are good stories.
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