Colten Teubert got in 24 NHL games last season; he also racked up 2 goals and 10 points in 46 games with the AHL's OKC Barons.

Having gotten a taste of what it's like to play in the best league in the world, defenseman Colten Teubert has made it no secret that his sights are firmly set on full-time NHL duty for the 2012-13 campaign.

"… Going up and down was kind of a roller coaster," Teubert said. "So I was on the edge of my seat and it just made me want to compete that much harder to stay up there."

That taste of NHL action was sweet. He wants more of it. Getting an NHL callup so early in his professional career has given the 6-foot-4 blueliner motivation to work on one of his best assets; his ability to play physical.

"Just consistency… Playing strong and physical every night. Obviously I'm a young guy and I play a sort of ‘in your face' style. So I've got to be able to pick my moments and really just time things right. Making a hit or playing tough."

Teubert is a former first round pick of the Los Angeles Kings with the potential and physical ability to hold up in the National Hockey League. That, coupled with the Oilers' investment in him and the franchise's willingness to build their team through their affiliates, gives Teubert a good shot at realizing his dreams this season.

"I think with Edmonton's rebuild, it gives me a good opportunity to step in but again, nothing's for granted and nothing's free so I'm going to have to earn it and work really hard this summer."

Teubert has spent much of the last two seasons with Oklahoma City in the American Hockey League. He's appeared in 66 regular season games with the Barons since 2011, scoring 17 points (4-13-17) and 86 penalty minutes.

He's helped the Barons to Calder Cup playoff berths in each of the team's first two seasons of existence. Teubert has played in six AHL playoff games in two seasons. Last season's playoff run was cut short for him due to a slap shot to the face in the opening series against Houston which required surgery.

Despite his early exit OKC's most recent postseason run, Teubert has experienced a winning atmosphere and that's going to pay dividends as he looks to make the next step in his career.

"It was a winning atmosphere. I think that's really helped me and obviously, you look at the guys down here (in OKC) that have succeeded in the playoffs and it gives us an opportunity to kind of move up next year and try and further our career."

Teubert gets his shot to make the big club in just a few short months when Edmonton reports to camp.

Author: Chris Wescott | OKCBarons.com