FEATURE: Manning putting past behind, eager to bolster Oilers blueline

EDMONTON, AB - Brandon Manning is ready to begin a new history with the Edmonton Oilers.
Even if he already has one.
The former Philadelphia Flyers defenceman, acquired from the Chicago Blackhawks on Sunday alongside Robin Norell in exchange for Drake Caggiula and Jason Garrison, has put his incident with Connor McDavid behind him and so too has the Oilers Captain.

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During McDavid's rookie season, the two skaters - as well as then-Flyers defender Michael Del Zotto - all crumpled into the Rexall Place end boards in what was an alarming collision. Oil Country hushed in silence following the play and McDavid had to put a 37-game pause on his rookie campaign to heal a broken clavicle.
The episode was three seasons ago and Manning's already answered the call on the ice.
On Sunday, when he answered the call with Oilers President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Peter Chiarelli, there was assurance that the past is the past. McDavid extended the sentiment himself.
"He (Chiarelli) mentioned the incident with Connor is behind them and he talked to Connor," Manning, who travelled from Chicago to Notre Dame for the Winter Classic then back to Chicago when he was traded, said over the phone.
"Connor actually reached out. He said he's happy to have me and thinks I can help the team. Obviously, with our history and when a guy of that calibre reaches out to you, it's pretty special."
Manning established career-high numbers in goals, assists and points in 2017-18 with the Flyers. He suited up in 65 games, scoring seven goals and 19 points, and maintained an even plus-minus. The left-handed defender hasn't been given the opportunity he had hoped for this year in Chicago. The 28-year-old has played just 27 games, notching three points, and can't help but feel the enthusiasm of a new beginning - despite the fact that it's on a team he has a backstory with.
"For me, when I heard 'Edmonton' that wasn't the first thing that popped into my head," the Prince George, BC, product said.

Rather than rekindle the crash with No. 97, the rearguard thought of his proximity to British Columbia and potential in the Oilers.
"Obviously, it's close to home," he said. "The second thing, the team they have and the talent, it's pretty exciting to go to a team like that right now."
Manning will fly to Edmonton on Monday morning in hopes that he can join the club on the ice in time for their New Year's clash with the Winnipeg Jets. He could join the lineup alongside another new addition, as Chiarelli also traded for Edmonton product and former Florida Panthers defenceman Alex Petrovic a few hours prior.
"He's a big, physical guy and a good addition as well," Manning, a Chilliwack Bruins alumnus, said of Petrovic, the former Red Deer Rebel.
The two rearguards will try to bolster the Oilers lineup as injuries to Oscar Klefbom, Kris Russell and Andrej Sekera have hurt the group. The Orange & Blue are on a five-game losing slide and remain four points behind in the race for the final Western Conference wild card spot.
"If you can come in, do your job and play well then any opportunity is great," said Manning.
"I'm excited to have that opportunity. I'm excited to go to a Canadian city and have that chance off the start. It's up to me to go out there to perform, do my job and hopefully fit in well with those guys."