The Edmonton Oilers were once a dynasty in the NHL. With guys like Wayne Gretzky, Paul Coffey, and of course, Jari Kurri, they were once the dominate team in the league during the mid-to-late 1980's. Now with a coach and GM who were both former players in those days -- Craig McTavish and Kevin Lowe respectively -- the Oilers are hoping to again challenge for the role as the NHL's best. One player Lowe brought over to help with the task is defenseman Igor Ulanov. 

The just-turned 31-year-old (his birthday was 1 Oct) native of Krasnokamsk, Russia will be with his sixth team, in only nine NHL seasons. Taken in the 10th round in the 1991 entry draft by the Winnipeg Jets, Ulanov has made stops in Washington, Chicago, Tampa Bay, and Montreal. A good team player, and a strong blueliner, Ulanov is looking forward to his first full season with the boys in blue.

"Everybody is in great shape to start the season, and trying to stick to the system," Ulanov told EuroReport. "It should be a great year for us. We are a young team -- powerful and fast."

While changing teams is always difficult, especially when you have done it as many times as Ulanov, you get a little used to it. And no two teams are ever the same.

"Its not easier whatever team you play for," he explained. "Everybody has different styles. I played for Montreal, and I played against Montreal. I played against Edmonton, now I play for Edmonton. They are different styles."

And from his numbers, perhaps Edmonton is more his style. In 43 games with Montreal, he notched a goal and five assists for six points. In only 14 games with the
Oilers, he tallied 0-3-3 totals. Given an entire season, he could come close to his career high of 17 points.

Though he will never be confused with Borje Salming, Ulanov brings something different to the table -- a physical presence He has been described as an in-your-face defenseman who likes to stir the pot, the Oilers are hoping that the Russian likes to cook.

And maybe even help the Oilers strike some playoff gold this season.