Joffrey Lupul Interview: Living up to Potential

Joffrey Lupul was drafted seventh overall in 2002 by the Anaheim Ducks and flourished in their system. Coming off a solid rookie campaign, Lupul scored 20 more points in his second season and immediately followed that up with nine goals in 16 games during the playoffs. Last summer, Lupul was traded to the team he grew up watching as a youngster and the one that eliminated the Ducks from last season's playoffs- the Edmonton Oilers. McKeen's had a chance to catch up with Lupul and discussed the shock of being traded and the adjustments he made since joining the Oilers.

McKeen's: What was your first reaction to being traded? You could not have seen that coming.

Lupul: Yeah it was a surprise for sure. I mean you never want to get traded and deal with everything that is involved, however I was pretty excited to be traded to my hometown. They nearly won the Stanley Cup so it was a healthy competitive environment for me to come into to.

McKeen's: Was it hard to re-adjust?

Lupul: It's been a tough adjustment. It has been a different style of play but all things considered, with the guys and the city it has been very welcoming.

McKeen's: Rather ironic that you got traded to the team that put you out last year in the playoffs. What are your thoughts on that?

Lupul: Yeah, it is funny how things work in this industry. They were within one win of the Stanley Cup so it is nice to be on a team that has that kind of experience.

McKeen's: You made some great strides in your offensive game. Last year was a career year however this year there have been some setbacks. Is there any explanation to the sudden decline in points?

Lupul: It has been tough and I really haven't found my game so to say in the offensive side of things. It is a little tough as I still have not adjusted the way I would have liked too. I am confident in my skills and if I continue to work hard hopefully things will change.

McKeen's: How much different is Oilers hockey from Ducks hockey? Do you think those changes have had a direct result on your lack of scoring this season?

Lupul: The coaching staffs in Edmonton preach more of a defensive approach and it is not as free flowing. They really stress the third man high and while it has been an adjustment it is not a system in which I can't be successful in.

McKeen's: Trade rumours have been running rampant and your name along with Ryan Smyth has come up. How are you able to put that behind you and not let it affect your game?

Lupul: It doesn't affect me that much. I can't speak for Smittie but once you have been traded you realize that you are not vulnerable and it can happen anytime. It is part of the game and hopefully you don't have to deal with it but you handle it professionally when it does.

McKeen's: How much better can Joffrey Lupul get?

Lupul: I feel I have a lot of improvement. I have obviously taken a step back this year and would like to continue to develop my game. I think I am more than capable and can return to the point where I was last year.

McKeen's: Finally, is this team good enough to make the playoffs in the ultra competitive Western Conference?

Lupul: We have to win our divisional games. That has been our Achilles heel all year. This is a big road trip out east but when we return home and play teams like Calgary and Vancouver, wins against them will be critical for our postseason chances.