Lucic sees it in the games and on the ice.

There's maybe a fraction of a second of hesitation to go into the corner against him, to challenge him for a puck. That's the kind of advantage reputation can buy. But it also comes at a price. Lucic can never change what makes him so effective. He can never lose that threat to score or that gritty edge.

That's what Coach Hay pounded into him in junior, and it's what sticks with him today.

"I see (how people play against me)," said Lucic. "But that doesn't change my mind-set. My mind-set on the forecheck is go first. No matter what your reputation is you've got to keep living up to it. That's what makes it hard. You've got to live up to your reputation.

"Whether guys are doing or feeling or saying those things about you, it truly doesn't make a difference to me because I know I have to play the same way no matter what. My mentality and my mindset has to be - regardless if guys are intimidated or scared of me - I have to be the first guy to the puck and make those plays and finish those checks. That is what will keep me being successful in this league."

Lucic's consistency and relentlessness is a win for the Oilers. Getting that kind of leader in the locker room has the players excited to follow his example.

"Any time you can add a player that makes an impact on a nightly basis like he does, it gives everyone a jolt," said Nurse. "It's definitely exciting. He brings great leadership on and off the ice and always comes in with a positive attitude. It's obviously a lot of fun having him around."

Night in and night out, Lucic is dedicated to living up to his reputation. When he hears people say he's one of a kind - a rarity in the NHL - he appreciates the compliment. But he's really just doing his job, and being himself.

"It's just me being me," said Lucic. "I've always been myself, I've always believed in myself and have just believed in just be yourself and be you. Don't change just because people want you to. That's just me being me and it's a compliment I'm willing to be myself and do whatever it takes to be successful and to win hockey games and win championships.

"That's why I think it's a pretty cool honour and compliment to have people to say that and I also think it's humbling to have people say that about you. I'm really looking forward to bringing that here to Edmonton and having the same success I've had in the past. I know the potential is high here for what we can achieve as a team and I'm looking forward to being a part of that."

Lucic is a friendly, social person. He's a history buff, a sports fanatic, a former saxophone player and an avid traveler. He's a family man, who cares not just about his own family but takes time to treat his teammates in kind.

Lucic is a regular guy - that is, until he laces up the skates, pulls the sweater over his shoulders and steps out onto the ice. When he does, he becomes a one-of-a-kind, versatile weapon - the desirable blend of size, skill and grit. There are many teams around the League that wish they had a Milan Lucic, but the fact of the matter is there is only one, and he now calls Edmonton home.