When he came out of the University of Wisconsin ahead of the 2012-13 season, the Edmonton Oilers thought Justin Schultz was the mobile offensive defenseman they so desperately coveted.

But Schultz never really panned out in Edmonton, and the Oilers shipped him to the Pittsburgh Penguins ahead of last season's trade deadline for a third-round pick. Then Oilers fans watched the reinvigorated blue-liner play a key role for Pittsburgh en route to winning the Stanley Cup.

His former bench boss, at least, is happy to watch the 26-year-old succeed in a new environment.

"He needed an opportunity to go somewhere else and start over and start fresh," Oilers coach Todd McLellan told reporters Thursday. "There was a lot of stress and tension put on him here with the Oilers, whether it's fans, teammates or coaches.

"I'm proud of him," McLellan said. "I'm glad he's that he's having that year."

Schultz makes his return to Edmonton on Friday night. He's crafted a career season with 45 points so far, ranking fourth among all NHL defensemen.

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