Nikita Yevseyev – McKeen's Hockey

MCKEEN’S 2026 NHL PROSPECT REPORT – #28 Edmonton Oilers – Organization Overview – Top 15 Prospects

Sat, 25 Apr 2026 18:00:06 +0000

SAINT PAUL, MN - DECEMBER 20: Edmonton Oilers forward Quinn Hutson (23) follows the play during the second period of a NHL game between the Minnesota Wild and Edmonton Oilers on December 20, 2025, at Grand Casino Arena in Saint Paul, MN.(Photo by Nick Wosika/Icon Sportswire)

Prospect System Ranking – 28th (Last Year - 26th)
GM: Stan Bowman Hired: July 2024
COACH: Kris Knoblauch Hired: November 2023

Graduating a high-end prospect such as Matthew Savoie is ultimately a positive sign for the organization, but it inevitably takes a toll on prospect depth. While the Oilers will eventually need to turn their attention toward replenishing the pipeline, building for the future is not the immediate priority. For now, the focus remains squarely on maximizing the Connor McDavid era and constructing a roster capable of delivering a Stanley Cup to Edmonton.

To that end, the Oilers have leveraged much of their high-end draft capital and young assets to strengthen the NHL roster. Edmonton has already moved its next two first-round selections, but the organization has retained some flexibility by holding second-round picks in both drafts. The system is currently headlined by Isaac Howard, ranked 55th on McKeen’s prospect list, who appears close to securing a full-time role in the NHL. Although he has yet to translate his early AHL rookie success into consistent NHL production, his offensive upside remains evident. Joining him in Bakersfield is undrafted NCAA signing Quinn Hutson, who has enjoyed a remarkable start to his professional career. The rookie forward has quickly established himself as one of the AHL’s most productive first-year players, pacing the field with a near 65-point rookie trajectory.

With Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl firmly in their primes, Edmonton’s approach remains rooted in the present. The objective is simple: continue surrounding their superstars with the necessary support to finally bring the Stanley Cup back to Alberta’s capital.

NHL	RNK	PLAYER	POS	AGE	HT/WT	2024-25 TM	GP	G(W)	A(L)	PTS(GAA)	PIM(SPCT)
Edm	1	Isaac Howard	LW	22	5-11/190	Bakersfield (AHL)	47	24	26	50	12
Edm	1	Isaac Howard	LW	22	5-11/190	Edmonton (NHL)	29	2	3	5	12
Edm	2	Quinn Hutson	RW	24	5-10/170	Bakersfield (AHL)	67	30	33	63	84
Edm	2	Quinn Hutson	RW	24	5-10/170	Edmonton (NHL)	4	1	0	1	0
Edm	3	Beau Akey	D	21	6-0/185	Bakersfield (AHL)	42	2	8	10	22
Edm	3	Beau Akey	D	21	6-0/185	Fort Wayne (ECHL)	4	1	0	1	0
Edm	4	Tommy Lafreniere	RW	19	6-0/175	Kamloops (WHL)	67	41	36	77	22
Edm	4	Tommy Lafreniere	RW	19	6-0/175	Bakersfield (AHL)	5	1	1	2	0
Edm	5	Paul Fischer	D	21	6-1/190	Notre Dame (NCAA)	33	6	17	23	39
Edm	6	Viljami Marjala	LW	23	6-1/180	Bakersfield (AHL)	72	17	43	60	22
Edm	7	Josh Samanski	C	24	6-6/190	Bakersfield (AHL)	45	8	23	31	40
Edm	7	Josh Samanski	C	24	6-6/190	Edmonton (NHL)	24	2	2	4	6
Edm	8	David Lewandowski	LW	19	6-2/175	Saskatoon (WHL)	57	17	48	65	42
Edm	9	Connor Clattenburg	LW	21	6-2/200	Bakersfield (AHL)	32	2	2	4	131
Edm	9	Connor Clattenburg	LW	21	6-2/200	Edmonton (NHL)	5	1	0	1	13
Edm	10	Roby Jarventie	RW	23	6-3/195	Bakersfield (AHL)	61	23	24	47	30
Edm	10	Roby Jarventie	RW	23	6-3/195	Edmonton (NHL)	3	0	0	0	0
Edm	11	Asher Barnett	D	19	6-1/200	Michigan (NCAA)	40	5	13	18	14
Edm	12	Maxim Berezkin	RW	24	6-2/200	Lokomotiv Yaroslavl (KHL)	64	7	25	32	18
Edm	13	Nikita Yevseyev	D	22	6-1/185	Amur Khabarovsk (KHL)	61	4	12	16	43
Edm	14	William Nicholl	C	20	6-0/185	London (OHL)	32	15	11	26	14
Edm	14	William Nicholl	C	20	6-0/185	Bakersfield (AHL)	5	1	0	1	8
Edm	15	Samuel Jonsson	G	22	6-5/200	Fort Wayne (ECHL)	33	21	8	2.38	0.910

1. Isaac (Ike) Howard, LW, Bakersfield Condors (AHL)

Ike Howard has been on fire offensively this season with the Bakersfield Condors (47 GP, 24-26-50), creating quality scoring chances each time the puck is on his stick in the offensive zone. With Howard, it’s not just his shot that absolutely terrifies goalies; he’s also a capable playmaker who can create space for his linemates with his stickwork and deception, and he has been quite effective at it for his linemates Quinn Hutson and Josh Samanski this season. Howard already has an NHL-calibre shot and has seen time with the Edmonton Oilers in the NHL this season, but continuing to get reps at the AHL level with the Condors will be paramount for his development. He needs to get top line minutes to really build consistency in his game that will translate at the NHL level, and while he probably deserves to be playing with the Oilers right now, he’s not far off. Howard projects as an offensive goal scorer that should spend a long time in an NHL top six.

2. Quinn Hutson, RW, Bakersfield Condors (AHL)

Quinn Hutson has been extremely impressive at the AHL level as a first-year professional with the Bakersfield Condors. Signed by the Edmonton Oilers as an undrafted free agent out of Boston University, Hutson has translated his offensive production from the NCAA level to the AHL level, where he has been one of the top scorers in the league this season (67GP, 30-33-63). The hallmark of Hutson’s game is his intelligence; he knows where to be on the ice, and this allows him to put himself in great position to capitalize on scoring chances. He also has a good shot that can beat goalies cleanly, and he’s very strong positionally in his own zone. Hutson will finish the rest of this season in Bakersfield, but should play a pivotal role in the Condors’ playoff run and really position himself well to make the Oilers as a full-time player next season. Hutson projects as a middle six scoring winger who can hold his own in the defensive zone.

3. Beau Akey, D, Bakersfield Condors (AHL)

Beau Akey has adapted well to the pro game after a disappointing end to his junior career with the Barrie Colts. Akey was selected as a talented two-way defenseman who could excel on both sides of the puck due to his great stride and edgework, and while he did impress at times in the junior game, he never really developed into that all-situations defenseman who could really drive the play at the junior level. As such, Akey’s status as a top prospect within the Edmonton Oilers’ system was put on hold as he entered this season. But to Akey’s credit, he has looked quite good as a rookie defender with the Bakersfield Condors (42GP, 2-8-10), while being tasked with playing top four minutes against opposing teams’ best players on an injury-riddled Condors’ defence. Akey’s skating has always been his best tool, but his smart hockey sense has really come through this season as well; he has good positioning, and he plays a simple game. Akey ultimately projects as a bottom-pairing defenseman at the NHL level.

4. Tommy Lafrenière, RW, Kamloops Blazers (WHL) (Currently with Bakersfield Condors, AHL)

Lafrenière made the most of a terrible situation in Kamloops last season, proving himself as a trustworthy player who battled hard night after night, even though his team lost a lot more than it won. All the work that he put in helped him get better as a prospect, and his commitment and loyalty are now being rewarded, as he is still getting to play big minutes on a club that is deeper and significantly more successful than it was before. And make no mistake, he deserves a lot of individual credit for that success: he’s centering his own line, he’s part of the top powerplay unit for the Blazers, and he takes a regular shift on the penalty kill. He’s about equally good offensively as he is defensively, which gives him different pathways that his development could take to help get him to the NHL. The Stanley Cup-chasing Oilers haven’t had many draft picks to use in recent years, so they must be pretty pleased about the early returns that they’re seeing with Lafrenière.

5. Paul Fischer, D, University of Notre Dame (NCAA)

Fischer, who was a stout two-way defender who defended very well for the NTDP during his draft season, has always been a mature defender who plays responsibly. A heavier defender, he skates very well and plays the body effectively. He’s also a very willing shot blocker, doing whatever it takes to win a game for his team. But his offensive tools were under the microscope, and something that scouts and coaches would keep an eye on as he entered the collegiate ranks. He has improved in that area with each passing season, going from 16 points to 21 points in his first two seasons. This year, he has 23 points in 33 games, just two points back from last year’s totals, in eight fewer games. Since joining Notre Dame, he has taken a big step in his puck-moving abilities. He is far more involved and efficient at moving pucks. He also looks more willing to attack the middle of the ice as both a passer and a shooter in the NCAA, showing more confidence in that area. Fischer projects as a bottom pair defender who can play in all situations. But his bread and butter is that of a defensively responsible defender.

6. Viljami Marjala, LW, Bakersfield Condors (AHL)

Viljami Marjala has emerged out of nowhere and re-established himself as a legitimate NHL prospect with his excellent play this season for the Bakersfield Condors (72GP, 17-43-60). Marjala was signed by the Oilers as a free agent out of TPS in the Finnish Liiga, and while he put up good numbers in Finland, it was not expected that Marjala’s offensive game would translate as seamlessly to the AHL level. Marjala’s best attribute is his playmaking; he’s an exceptional passer who can find anyone on the ice, and he’s great at creating time and space for his teammates when he has the puck on his stick. Marjala is also a capable player in his own zone, and while he does need to keep building more strength, he has done quite well this year at the AHL level. Marjala ultimately projects as more of a winger at the NHL level than a centre, and he should be at the top of the line for call-up duty this season. Marjala has the tools to become a third line scoring winger at the NHL level.

7. Josh Samanski, C, Bakersfield Condors (AHL)

Josh Samanski is a big, talented power forward who has been playing hard all season with the Bakersfield Condors (45GP, 8-23-31). Like Marjala, Samanski was signed by the Oilers out of Europe, and he, too, has done a great job of translating his game to the North American sheet. The hallmark of Samanski’s game is his skill in-tight; he utilizes his big frame to shield the puck against opposing defenders, and he’s got nice hands for a big player that allows him to make that quick pass to an open teammate. Samanski is also a very good skater for a player of his size (6-foot-3, 195 pounds), so he has all of the attributes he needs to develop into a talented power forward at the NHL level. Samanski does need to work on his confidence in making plays, as there are many times when he perhaps defers too much to his linemates, but overall, he has progressed very well this season and looks like a legitimate NHL prospect for the Edmonton Oilers.

8. David Lewandowski, C, Saskatoon Blades (WHL)

Even though Lewandowski didn’t produce a lot of points last season he still drew plenty of attention from scouts as a draft-eligible prospect, because it was clear that he possessed some useful tools that could be worked with and had a physical foundation that could be built upon. Fast-forward almost one year and the big German winger can still rifle shots and protect pucks down below better than the vast majority of players his age, but he’s showing up on the score sheet a lot more often because he’s better adjusted to the speed and intensity of hockey in the WHL. He’s even leading Saskatoon in scoring by a wide margin. He does still have a long way to go, however, when it comes to improving his skating ability and pace of play — his two biggest weaknesses — to the point where they’re even just passable at higher levels. Does all of that sound a bit like any other German player that you know, possibly one who is also part of the Oilers organization?

9. Connor Clattenburg, LW, Bakersfield Condors (AHL)

Connor Clattenburg has found himself a nice little niche that not many players can occupy, nor a role that many players are willing to take: a physical demon. Clattenburg has great speed, and he’s always willing to lay a strong hit on the defenseman when he’s on the forecheck, and these are both attributes of his game that make him a surefire NHLer. The other areas of Clattenburg’s game still need work, particularly his work when the puck is on his stick, but he’s a capable player in his own zone who knows what he needs to do to alleviate pressure. There might be a chance Clattenburg can develop into more than just a fourth-line physical presence, such as a penalty killer, but he will need more seasoning at the AHL level for that to come to fruition. Clattenburg ultimately projects as a physical fourth-line player who can fight when called upon. In today’s day and age, especially with playoff hockey right around the corner, that’s not something that’s so bad to have.

10. Roby Järventie, RW, Bakersfield Condors (AHL)

Roby Järventie has struggled with the injury bug over the past couple of seasons, which has stalled his timeline as an NHL prospect, but he has gotten off to a great start this year with the Bakersfield Condors (61GP, 23-24-47). Järventie plays a heavy game that works great around the net, and he’s got a heavy shot that can beat goalies cleanly when he has time and space to fire. Järventie also has the skill offensively to make plays for his teammates, but it will be his willingness to get to the hard areas of the ice that will really cement his game at the NHL level. Defensively, Järventie still has room to improve the level of physicality in his game, especially his compete level, but he has gotten better this year in the defensive zone. Järventie ultimately projects as a middle-six forward who can grind offensively and score points, but there is offensive potential that could lead to a bigger role.

11. Asher Barnett, D, University of Michigan (NCAA)

The former captain of the U.S. U18 team, Barnett has been excellent for the Michigan Wolverines this year as a freshman. He’s a dependable defensive player, but his play with the puck and offensive confidence are improving.

12. Maxim Berezkin, RW, Bakersfield Condors (AHL)

At this point, Berezkin’s offensive development appears to have stalled in Russia. The offensively gifted power forward looked to be a diamond in the rough, but now the offensive upside has to be questioned. Eligible to be signed by the Oilers at the end of the KHL season.

13. Nikita Yevseyev, D, Amur Khabarovsk (KHL)

A serviceable two-way defender, Yevseyev has broken out as a KHL contributor this year. He doesn’t likely possess significant upside, but he has enough tools and sense to be a depth piece down the line.

14. William Nicholl, C, London Knights (OHL) (Currently with Bakersfield Condors, AHL)

This was supposed to be Nicholl’s big breakout with the Knights; however, injuries got in the way and now there has to be some doubt that the Oilers even sign him by June.

15. Samuel Jonsson, G, Fort Wayne Komets (ECHL)

After a breakout season in Sweden, the big goaltender opted to sign with Edmonton and come to North America. However, having spent the year in the ECHL, it’s obvious that his game still needs a lot of work; he’s very much a long-term project in the crease.

2025 NHL PROSPECTS REPORT: EDMONTON OILERS – Top 15 NHL Affiliated Prospects

Fri, 16 May 2025 18:37:53 +0000

Sam O'Reilly of the London Knights. Photo by Luke Durda/OHL Images

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Edmonton 25 Prospects

MCKEEN’S 2024-25 NHL YEARBOOK – EDMONTON OILERS – Top 15 Prospect Profiles – Organizational Rank #28

Introduction - Dave Hall, Profiles - Brock Otten — Sat, 14 Sep 2024 13:00:29 +0000

_{LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 30: Edmonton Oilers forward Raphael Lavoie (62) during an NHL hockey game against the Los Angeles Kings on December 30, 2023 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Ric Tapia/Icon Sportswire)}

Prospect System Ranking – 28th (Previous Rank - 32nd)
GM: Stan Bowman Hired: July 2024
COACH: Kris Knoblauch Hired: November 2023

How does a team jump five spots from McKeen’s bottom-ranked prospect system to 28th, you ask? Simple: you trade for a top 40 prospect. Sitting 38th overall in McKeen’s rankings, Matthew Savoie heads to Northern Alberta following a deal that sent 24-year-old Ryan McLeod to Buffalo. Once regarded as a top-flight prospect and top 10 draft pick, Savoie is coming off a fruitful WHL career, where he notched 263 points (103G, 160A) in just 183 games—an impressive 1.44 points-per-game average across four seasons. He’s set to take his talents to the AHL, where he’s already shown promise, registering two goals and five points during a brief six-game stint. The local Alberta native not only stands as the Oilers' highest-rated prospect but also represents their best hope for bolstering secondary offensive production in the near future.

But Savoie wasn’t the only prospect the Oilers acquired this summer. Moving on from their 2021 first-rounder, Xavier Bourgault, the club brought in McKeen’s 233rd-ranked prospect, Roby Järventie, from the Ottawa Senators. With three seasons of AHL experience in Belleville under his belt, Järventie is tracking nicely and could see NHL action in the not-so-distant future. If his development continues to trend accordingly, the Oilers might consider him as a call-up option as early as the 2024-25 campaign.

In addition to these trades, the Oilers had their busiest NHL Draft since 2017, selecting seven players in total. Under the guidance of (former) Interim GM Jeff Jackson, they made a bold move to trade up and select Sam O’Reilly (158th) and added some depth in goal with Eemil Vinni.

Speaking of goaltending, Olivier Rodrigue is coming off his best statistical season in the AHL, posting a winning record behind Jack Campbell of 19-12-5. He may not be ready to take on NHL duties quite yet, but you have to respect the progression.

Despite relying heavily on their dynamic core—Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Zach Hyman, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and Evan Bouchard—the Oilers managed to graduate two key players in Dylan Holloway and defenceman Philip Broberg. Of course, both have successfully signed offer sheets and will head to St. Louis after an aggressive move by Blues’ GM Doug Armstrong. To counter the loss, the Oilers brought in Vasily Podkolzin, a Canucks graduate who has struggled to find his footing in Vancouver.

Now under the leadership of the reinstated Stan Bowman, the Oilers will look to keep their championship window open.

Edmonton Oilers Top-15 Prospects

1. Matthew Savoie

Recently acquired by the Oilers in the Ryan McLeod trade with Buffalo, Savoie immediately becomes Edmonton’s top prospect. The former 9th overall pick (in 2022) has done nothing but dominate the WHL since being drafted. He helped Winnipeg reach a WHL final two years ago and helped Moose Jaw win one this past season. He loves to play the game at a feverish pace, consistently attacking the offensive zone with speed. He is both creative and skilled and he possesses significant offensive upside. Taking a chance on him had to be a no-brainer for Edmonton, a team that has had difficulty developing a home-grown winger to play alongside Connor McDavid and/or Leon Draisaitl. That said, there are some concerns over Savoie’s projectability. He struggled at both this past year’s World Juniors and Memorial Cup, suggesting that he could have difficulty scoring consistently in higher intensity matchups. As an undersized forward, can he make adjustments to adapt at the next level? Ironically, the Oilers just chose not to qualify his brother Carter, over similar concerns. Savoie’s first year of pro hockey this season will be an interesting measuring stick.

2. Sam O’Reilly

The Oilers’ first round selection this year was a steady riser throughout his draft year. Playing for the London Knights, O’Reilly slowly earned more ice time under Dale Hunter, eventually becoming an integral component of their run to an OHL Championship and Memorial Cup appearance. O’Reilly is a competitive two-way forward who brings a ton of versatility to the table. He was one of the draft’s most polished defensive forwards and he brings a consistent physical element to every shift. However, O’Reilly’s confidence as a playmaker grew substantially over the course of the season, pointing to the fact that he may have the upside to be a solid and dependable middle six piece at the NHL level. O’Reilly will return to London this coming season and could be part of a dominant first line for the Knights, featuring him, Easton Cowan, and Denver Barkey. Expect O’Reilly to have a major breakout season, as is the tradition for major prospects coming out of London in their draft plus one year.

3. Roby Jarventie

Sometimes a change of scenery can do a prospect well. Acquired from Ottawa, Jarventie just needs to stay healthy. He’s battled injuries the last two seasons in Belleville; he lost most of last year after knee surgery. The good news is that the knee has apparently been the source of his issues the last two years. This could be the permanent fix, allowing him to develop uninterrupted. The big power winger excels playing a North/South game thanks to his speed and skill when driving wide. His upside as a goal scorer was what likely attracted Edmonton, as he could end up as a consistent 25 goal guy with the Oilers in the future. Just when is that future? It will depend on his rehab following the knee surgery. It seems safe to assume that Edmonton will want him in the AHL again when he returns to try to ease him back in and that delays his timeline. But good things come to those who are patient.

4. Raphael Lavoie

It’s not too often that a player who has passed through waivers remains this high on a team’s prospect list, but that’s the reality of the Oilers’ prospect pool right now. Lavoie has continued to score at the AHL level, having led Bakersfield in goal scoring the last two seasons. He’s even found a way to be more consistently physically engaged, a knock against him previously. But in limited NHL action, he’s been a virtual non-factor. The strong North/South attacker still has NHL upside as a middle six scorer. He received a qualifying offer from the Oilers because of their lack of system depth. They still have hope that he can find his way. However, after bringing in Viktor Arvidsson and Jeff Skinner, is there even an opportunity for Lavoie to break in? It is fair to say that this year’s training camp will be his last chance at prospect relevance. It’s do or die time for him.

5. Beau Akey

Unfortunately, Akey essentially had a lost season of development after his dislocated shoulder required season ending surgery in November. The Oilers’ top pick in the 2023 draft will return to Barrie this year and will aim to be one of the top defenders in the OHL, on what should be a strong Colts team. He’ll also have his eyes set on a potential spot on Team Canada for the 2025 World Junior Championships in Ottawa. Akey remains an incredibly intriguing blueline prospect because of his high-end mobility. As he gains confidence in his puck carrying ability and improves his physical strength, he could be a solid two-way defender as a pro cut from the same cloth as a guy like TJ Brodie. With a strong season in 2024-25, he has a chance to vault closer to the top of Edmonton’s prospect pool.

6. Matvey Petrov

The Condors had a pretty veteran laden roster last year and that made it difficult for Petrov to get significant ice time in his rookie AHL season. The former North Bay Battalion standout has a well-rounded offensive game thanks to a terrific release and strong puck skill and creativity. The key for him moving forward is to continue to find consistency in his off puck play to help him earn touches. He is at his best when he plays with a bit of an edge and if he can find that at the pro level, he may just have the highest offensive upside of any player in the Oilers’ system outside of Savoie. Hopefully, this season, he can earn more ice time and power play time with Bakersfield and really build up confidence at the pro level. He’s probably still a few years away from making a potential impact in Edmonton.

7. Olivier Rodrigue

It has taken a while, but Rodrigue has finally turned the corner as a prospect. He was one of the better goaltenders in the AHL last year, in his fourth pro season. Facing waivers this coming year, it seems likely that Edmonton will give him an opportunity to beat out Calvin Pickard to be Stuart Skinner’s back-up, a fantastic opportunity for Rodrigue to prove his worth. However, given Pickard’s performance last year, that may be a tall task. The hyper athletic, butterfly netminder has improved the technical components of his game under Dustin Schwartz and his father Sylvain in Bakersfield. With improved positioning, play tracking, and rebound control, Rodrigue has been able to improve his consistency. What’s the ultimate upside here? That remains to be seen. At the very least, Rodrigue looks like a potential back up option for Edmonton, both now and in the future.

8. Eemil Vinni

One of the first goaltenders off the board in 2024, Vinni gives Edmonton much better organizational depth at the position. At first glance, his numbers last year don’t inspire a ton of confidence, however it’s important to note that Vinni was tasked with being the starting netminder on a pro team (in the second Finnish men’s league), a difficult task for an 18 year old. Vinni’s combination of size and athleticism gives him the upside to develop into an NHL netminder. He’s aggressive in his crease but needs to refine his play reading and positioning to improve his consistency. This coming season, Vinni will move up to Liiga, the top men’s league, with HIFK. Expect him to be the back-up to Roope Taponen, who has started for HIFK the last few years. This will allow Vinni to slowly build confidence at the highest level. Patience will be key here.

9. Max Wanner

Wanner put a year to forget behind him with a very solid freshman campaign in the AHL with Bakersfield. Wanner was limited to only 44 WHL games the previous year after being suspended indefinitely for an off-ice incident. However, his play on the ice has been largely positive, as the former seventh round pick has progressed incredibly well since being selected by Edmonton. The 6-foot-3, right-shot defender brings strong mobility, physicality, and great defensive instincts to the blueline. At the very least, he has excellent defensive upside at the NHL level as more of a steady, stay-at-home type. But he does have some offensive upside built around his ability to get pucks on net and his ability to make quick outlets to start the breakout. With another strong year in Bakersfield, Wanner likely puts himself in the conversation for a roster spot in Edmonton.

10. Jayden Grubbe

The former New York Rangers draft pick was acquired by the Oilers and subsequently signed last year. Grubbe, a former captain of the Red Deer Rebels, is your prototypical bottom six forward prospect. The big centerman is physical. He’s got great two-way instincts. He can play in a variety of different roles. His puck skill is fairly limited and he’s not a high-end scoring threat, but there’s upside there as a future third or fourth line pivot. The key for Grubbe, just as it was when he was drafted, is improving his skating. A knee injury suffered in his draft year definitely hindered the development of his explosiveness and speed. It seems like he’s been playing catch-up ever since and it’s part of the reason why the Rangers moved on from their former third rounder. The Oilers are going to need to be patient with Grubbe as he finds a way to adjust to the pace of the pro game, while also continuing to work on improving his feet so that he can play that shut down defensive role well at the NHL level.

11. Shane LaChance

Bigger forwards simply take longer to develop and LaChance is the perfect example of that. It’s been a long road for the son of former NHL’er Scott LaChance. He was drafted out of the Boston Jr. Bruins program back in 2021, then he played two years in the USHL after being drafted. His offensive explosion with Youngstown has proved to be no fluke after LaChance was fantastic for Boston University last year as a freshman. Can LaChance take on more offensive responsibility and drive play more individually?

12. Matt Copponi

After three years at Merrimack College, including two as a top scorer, Copponi has transferred to Boston University for his senior year (where he will play with fellow Oilers’ prospect Shane LaChance). A strong two-way forward and versatile player, it will be interesting to see how this affects his development.

13. Maxim Berezkin

The hulking winger is coming off his best KHL season to date, helping Lokomotiv reach the KHL finals. He is a creative and skilled handler, but the question has always been whether his skating could improve enough to make him a pro option. He has one more year left on his KHL deal and one would assume Edmonton will try to bring him over after that.

14. Nikita Yevseyev

A step back for Yevseyev this past season as he went from a KHL regular to splitting the season between the KHL and the VHL (Russia’s second league). The strong skating rearguard projects best as a defensive first type in the NHL and the hope is that he can return to the KHL full time this coming year.

15. James Stefan

The son of former first overall pick Patrick Stefan, James used a strong overage season with Portland of the WHL to earn an entry level contract from the Oilers. Stefan has long been on the scouting radar, so it seemed inevitable that someone would take a chance on his offensive upside.

MCKEEN’S 2023-24 NHL YEARBOOK – EDMONTON OILERS – Top 20 Prospect Profiles – Organizational Rank #29

Brock Otten, Derek Neumeier, Chapin Landvogt and Josh Bell — Mon, 02 Oct 2023 21:29:49 +0000

Top 20 Edmonton Oilers Prospects

1. Xavier Bourgault - C

Bourgault surely learned a lot from his four years in Shawinigan, helping them pivot from being one of the worst teams in the QMJHL all the way to winning a league championship and appearing in the Memorial Cup in his fourth year with the club. And while the "Q" has run into trouble lately with their top producers making the jump to the pros, that doesn't appear to be the case with Bourgault, who has emerged immediately as one of the best players on the Condors. None of his physical tools truly grade out as elite, but how he sees the ice and how well he stays composed under pressure are both high-end attributes. He is consistent and reliable, but also able to elevate his game at big moments, and those types of players usually go on to have long, successful careers thanks to the trust they earn from coaches.

2. Raphael Lavoie - RW

Lavoie was a frustrating player to scout at times because his effectiveness wavered a lot from game to game, even shift to shift, but the Oilers still selected him relatively high because he had such an enticing collection of tools. That said, development is a marathon not a sprint, and Lavoie has really started to blossom in the years since. Getting to play most of a full season in Sweden at the height of the pandemic not only kept his development on track, but it actually provided him with a perfect bridge between the QMJHL and the AHL. He can play both a power game and a skill game and can single-handedly break through defences in the cycle as well as on the rush. When he gets all the cylinders firing at once he is such a handful for opposing defenders. He led Bakersfield in goals last season, which shows how close he already is to getting into the NHL.

3. Beau Akey - D

The foundation of Akey’s game is his strong four-way mobility. One of the better skating defenders available for the 2023 draft, Akey can impact the game at both ends with his quickness and agility. However, he is very much a player who is still learning to use his skating ability to his advantage. He can seem hesitant to extend his rushes, and his ability to start the breakout could benefit from him trusting his feet more. In reality, assertiveness and confidence are two things that could make a huge difference for Akey’s consistency and performance. He flashes high end skill, as he gains confidence in his ability to blend his feet and hands to make plays. His ceiling is quite high, despite the strides he still needs to take to reach it. If Akey’s development goes according to plan, he could easily develop into a TJ Brodie type of defender at the NHL level, another player who also took time at the junior level to understand how to be a difference maker at both ends with his athletic gifts.

4. Matvey Petrov - LW

Petrov has turned out to be a major hidden gem for the Oilers as a sixth-round draft pick and has played a pivotal role in helping turn North Bay around from one of the worst teams in the OHL to one of the league's very best. He was recently voted by a poll of OHL coaches as one of the best playmakers in the league and it's easy to understand why, as his passes are hard and crisp, and he can find the narrowest of lanes. He's not especially big or strong but can protect pucks well with his hands and reach. He's also a stellar shooter, as evidenced by his 40 goals in the 2021-22 season, but he elected to play more deferentially last year. Petrov has been arguably one of the most underrated prospects in all of junior hockey, though that is unlikely to persist as he looks to play professionally this season.

5. Carter Savoie - LW

Savoie is one of the most interesting case studies active among all NHL prospects. Look solely at his incredible scoring numbers from the AJHL and NCAA and he seems like an elite talent. However, there is still a lot of work that needs to be done before he will be able to cut it in the NHL, as evidenced by the steep drop-off in his numbers since hitting the AHL. The good in his game? There are few prospects in the world more dangerous with the puck in the offensive zone, able to snipe goals with ease and find passing lanes that others cannot. The bad? His skating and pacing are atrocious, and his off-puck contributions are practically non-existent. There just aren't any players in the NHL right now who play like he does. Can he blaze an entirely new trail, or will he need to make serious tweaks to his game in order to make it?

6. Tyler Tullio - RW

Tullio was one of only a handful of top Ontario-based prospects to find a place to play during 2021-21, heading to Slovakia while the entire OHL season was cancelled. Those 19 games might not have seemed like much, but they were invaluable for him in his attempt to keep his game polished and improving, as he put forth a monstrous performance in his final year with Oshawa. For a former fifth-round pick, his first season in the AHL was relatively solid, as he scored at a decent clip and looked right at home against professional competition. He's small but feisty and combative and can find different ways to make his team better, bringing energy and grit when he isn't contributing as much on the score sheet. He can play up or down a lineup, which significantly increases his odds of finding a long-term NHL gig.

7. Max Wanner - D

Unfortunately, Wanner made more waves off the ice than on it last year after being suspended indefinitely for an off-ice incident, along with several of his Moose Jaw teammates. However, Wanner was allowed to return to action for the playoffs. On the ice, Wanner’s game actually improved significantly, a fact that shocked few after his breakout performance at last year’s Oilers’ development camp. His skating has improved considerably since being drafted in the seventh round and that has transformed him into a defensive stalwart. He shuts down transitional attacks and defends pace extremely well with his length and mobility. His defensive game has always been his bread and butter, but it has evolved to the point where he could easily be an NHL shut down type. His game has also improved offensively. Will that carry over to the pro level? Time will tell as Wanner starts his pro journey this season. Hopefully he can put a turbulent year behind him and learn from past mistakes to be better off the ice, keeping the focus on his improvement on the ice.

8. Nikita Yevseyev - D

Russia's VHL, a league above the under-20 MHL but below the highly-talented KHL, similar to the AHL in North America, can be a sneaky good environment for prospects to develop in. Yevseyev played most of his draft season there as a member of the established Kazan organization, and while he didn't draw a lot of fanfare to himself, he nevertheless put in a lot of work on his game. It should come as little surprise then, that he jumped up a level this past season. What is more of a shocker though, is that he was arguably the best junior-aged defenseman in the entire KHL as a rookie. His game is mostly built around his skating, with strong edges, long strides, and a lot of power generation, and he already knows how to use his mobility to stick to professional opponents and disrupt their offensive intentions. It's incredibly early, but Yevseyev is currently looking like one of the shrewdest picks of the 2022 draft.

9. Olivier Rodrigue - G

Stuart Skinner has emerged as both Edmonton's goalie of the present and of their future, but Rodrigue is probably going to be given a few more years’ worth of opportunities to prove that he could at least become a backup for the Oilers down the line. He's not a particularly big goaltender, but he is fast and flexible, and that can still be a workable formula for success even though the margin for error is narrower. The sudden emergence of COVID-19 in early 2020 robbed him of what was shaping up to be a QMJHL championship run in Moncton, and the two preceding years of pandemic-influenced hockey were harder on netminders than players at any other position. He did, however, bounce back quite nicely last season in Bakersfield, in his third season at the level.

10. Jayden Grubbe - C

After it was announced that the New York Rangers would not be signing Grubbe, the team’s third round pick in 2021, the Edmonton Oilers jumped at the opportunity to trade for, and sign the Alberta-born and raised center. Grubbe’s rehab following a serious knee injury has been slow, but he put together a solid season for Red Deer last year, captaining the Rebels into the second round of the WHL playoffs. His skating will still need to improve; no question that will be the focus of his pro development. However, Grubbe has the potential to be a solid bottom six option for the Oilers in the future because of his strong physical play, advanced defensive game, and more than adequate playmaking ability/vision. Due to the ongoing need for improvements to his skating, the pace of the pro game may initially overwhelm him. The Oilers may need to be patient with Grubbe. However, after a few years, he very well could end up ending up similar to an Ethan Moreau or Rem Murray type, who, despite their limitations, were pivotal role players during that deep 2006 playoff run.

11. Luca Munzenberger - D

A German defender at the University of Vermont, Munzenberger is very much a “what you see is what you get” kind of prospect. There is unlikely to be much development offensively, but he understands his role well as a staunch, physical, stay-at-home type.

12. Jake Chiasson - RW

Chiasson is an interesting prospect because he never really reached the heights that we expected of him in the WHL, yet he nevertheless earned a contract from Edmonton. The big forward has a big shot to match his physique and will be turning pro this season.

13. Matt Copponi - C

After a terrific sophomore season at Merrimack College, the Oilers selected Copponi at this past draft. He is a high IQ, strong complementary piece with a great work ethic. He definitely has a chance to be a bottom six player for the Oilers in the future.

14. Shane Lachance - LW

The big winger is the son of former NHL defender Scott Lachance and is headed to Boston University this fall. He had a great 2022-23 season in the USHL, winning a championship with Youngstown, while serving as the team’s captain.

15. Joel Maatta - C

Another Oilers prospect at the University of Vermont, Maatta’s offensive upside is fairly limited. He tracks as a potential defensively-oriented fourth line center thanks to his IQ and compete level. Edmonton will be looking for him to improve his offensive production as a junior this season.

16. Maxim Berezkin - RW

The good news is that Berezkin broke out last season in the KHL, emerging as a strong supporting piece for Lokomotiv. The bad news is that he recently resigned in the KHL for another two seasons, meaning Edmonton won’t have the opportunity to bring him over until after 2024-25.

17. Tomas Mazura - C

The route for Mazura thus far certainly wouldn’t have followed Edmonton’s exact plan for him. The former prep star has bounced between leagues, countries, and programs the last few years. It appears he has finally found a home at St. Lawrence University, but he remains a longshot, long-term project.

18. Carl Berglund - C

A free agent signing for the Oilers out of UMass-Lowell, Berglund has led the River Hawks in scoring the last two seasons, serving as captain last year. Like some others on this list, his NHL upside is probably limited to a depth role, but his IQ gives him a chance to play in some capacity.

19. Noah Philp

It’s pretty rare to see players from CIS make the jump to the NHL, but after a solid rookie year in the AHL, Philp has put himself in contention for a bottom six role on the Oilers. The big center plays a power game and can be a net front presence.

20. Ryan Fanti - G

Signed as a free agent out of Minnesota-Duluth last year, Fanti’s first pro season had mixed results. The big netminder has intriguing athletic upside, but his play needs to find more consistency in his second pro year. Likely ticketed for the ECHL again.

MCKEEN’S 2023 NHL PROSPECT REPORT – #28 Edmonton Oilers

Derek Neuemeier — Fri, 12 May 2023 17:30:03 +0000

Prospect System Ranking – 28^th

The Oilers have emerged as Stanley Cup threat built around a constellation of stars, including the game's best player, Connor McDavid. After years of drafting frustration, including multiple first overall picks, Ken Holland took the reins as GM in time for the 2019 NHL Draft. After making the playoffs once in 13 years, they have made the playoffs every year since, including going to the conference finals last season. They have retained all of the first-round draft picks in his time, excluding this season, and have graduated four promising prospects. Evan Bouchard (2108 – 8^th – drafted just prior to his arrival has emerged as a star following the trade of Tyson Barrie to Nashville for Mattias Ekholm. Philip Broberg drafted 8^th in 2019 along with Dylan Holloway, drafted 20^th in 2020 debuted in limited ice time last season.

Player graduations are a healthy sign for an organization in a salary cap era if all players continue to progress. They are also responsible for the group ranking falling from 19^th to 28^th. Raphael Lavoie looks the most promising to emerge from the current group of prospects for the coming season. Holland has also been active on the trade front recently, adding pieces to win a championship. You can expect him to continue to move future assets for help immediately. They only have their second-round pick in the first four rounds, so prospects and future picks are likely in play for the foreseeable future.

CALGARY, AB - SEPTEMBER 26: Edmonton Oilers Center Xavier Bourgault (54) and Calgary Flames Defenceman Rasmus Andersson (4) in action during the second period of an NHL game where the Calgary Flames hosted the Edmonton Oilers on September 26, 2021, at the Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary, AB. (Photo by Brett Holmes/Icon Sportswire)

1. Xavier Bourgault

Bourgault surely learned a lot from his four years in Shawinigan, helping them pivot from being one of the worst teams in the QMJHL all the way to winning a league championship and appearing in the Memorial Cup. And while the "Q" has run into trouble lately with their top producers making the jump to the pros, that doesn't appear to be the case with him, emerging immediately as one of the best players on the Condors. None of his physical tools truly grade out as elite, but how he sees the ice and how well he stays composed under pressure are both high-end attributes. He's consistent and reliable, but also able to elevate his game at big moments, and those types of players usually go on to have long, successful careers thanks to the trust they earn from coaches.

2. Patrik Puistola

Puistola has now dressed in more than 200 games in Finland's top pro league and just led his Jukurit Mikkeli team in points, so it's fair to say that the 22-year-old should be ready to sign his entry-level contract and make the jump to North America. Newly acquired by Edmonton from Carolina in exchange for Jesse Puljujärvi, he might even be able to skip the AHL and head straight the Oilers, so maybe the possibility of playing on the same team as Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl will make the move easier. He's very smooth and fluid with both his skating and puck control, being able to move around the ice and stay in the play with minimal energy exerted. He's still quite scrawny, though, so bulking up will be a big priority if he is to succeed on the smaller ice.

3. Raphael Lavoie

Lavoie was a frustrating player to scout at times because his effectiveness wavered a lot from game to game, or even shift to shift, but the Oilers still selected him relatively high because he had such an enticing collection of tools. However, development is a marathon not a sprint, and Lavoie has really started to blossom in the years since. Getting to play most of a full season in Sweden at the height of the pandemic not only kept his development on track, but it actually might also have given him a perfect bridge between the QMJHL and the AHL. He can play both a power game and a skill game and can single-handedly break through defenses in the cycle or on the rush. When he gets all the cylinders firing at once he is such a handful for opposing defenders. He led Bakersfield in goals this season, which shows how close he already is to getting into the NHL.

4. Carter Savoie

Savoie is one of the most interesting case studies active among all NHL prospects. Look solely at his incredible scoring numbers from the AJHL and NCAA and he seems like an elite talent. However, there is still a lot of work that needs to be done before he will be able to cut it in the NHL, as evidenced by the steep drop-off in his numbers since hitting the AHL. The good in his game? There are few prospects in the world more dangerous with the puck in the offensive zone, able to snipe goals with ease and find passing lanes that others cannot. The bad? His skating and pacing are atrocious, and his off-puck contributions are practically nonexistent. There just aren't any players in the NHL right now who play like he does. Can he blaze an entirely new trail, or will he need to make serious tweaks to his game in order to make it?

5. Matvey Petrov

Petrov has turned out to be a major hidden gem for the Oilers as a 6th-round draft pick and has played a pivotal role in helping turn North Bay around from one of the worst teams in the OHL to one of the league's very best. He was recently voted by a poll of OHL coaches as one of the best playmakers in the league, and it's easy to understand why, as his passes are hard, crisp, and he can find the narrowest of lanes. He's not especially big or strong but can protect pucks well with his hands and reach. He's also a stellar shooter, as evidenced by his 40 goals last season, but he has elected to play more deferentially this year. Petrov is arguably one of the most underrated prospects in all of junior hockey, though that is unlikely to persist for much longer.

6. Tyler Tullio

Tullio was one of only a handful of top Ontario-based prospects to find a play to place during 2021-21, heading to Slovakia while the entire OHL season was cancelled. Those 19 games might not have seemed like much, but they were probably invaluable for him in his attempt to keep his game polished and improving, as he put forth a monstrous performance in his final year with Oshawa. For a former 5th-round pick his first season in the AHL was relatively solid, scoring at a decent clip and looking right at home against the competition. He's small but feisty and combative and can find different ways to make his team better, bringing energy and grit during the times where he isn't contributing as much on the score sheet. He can play up or down a lineup, which significantly increase his odds of finding a long-term NHL gig.

7. Nikita Yevseyev

Russia's VHL, a league above the under-20 MHL but below the highly talented KHL, can be a sneaky good environment for prospects to develop in. Yevseyev played most of his draft season there as a member of the established Kazan organization, and while he didn't draw a lot of fanfare to himself, he did nevertheless put in a lot of work on his game. It should come as little surprise, then, that he jumped up a level this past season. What is more of a shocker, though, is that he was arguably the best junior-aged defenseman in the entire KHL. His game is mostly built around his skating, with strong edges, long strides and a lot of power generation, and he already knows how to use his mobility to stick to professional opponents and disrupt their offensive intentions. It's incredibly early, but Yevseyev is currently looking like one of the shrewdest picks of the 2022 draft.

8. Olivier Rodrigue

Stuart Skinner has emerged as both Edmonton's goalie of the present and of their future, but Rodrigue is probably going to be given a few more years’ worth of opportunities to prove that he could at least become a backup for the Oilers. He's not a particularly big goaltender, but he is fast and flexible, and that can still be a workable formula for success even though the margin for error is narrower. The sudden emergence of COVID-19 in early 2020 robbed him of what was shaping up to be a QMJHL championship run in Moncton, and the two proceeding years of pandemic-influenced hockey were harder on netminders than players at any other position. He did, however, bounce back quite nicely this season in Bakersfield.

9. Luca Munzenberger

The Oilers really went off the board when they selected Münzenberger within the first 100 picks of the 2021 draft. So far, that gambled has really not paid off for them. The German junior hockey system can be really hit or miss for developing prospects, and despite coming over to North America to advance his game in a different environment, the University of Vermont program that he joined isn't exactly that much better. On the plus side, the defender has a lot of size and natural athleticism to work with, and he is getting the opportunity to play a lot of minutes on his club, so there is a foundation being built right now that could potentially lead to success somewhere down the road. If he can get in some reps with the German national team at the World Championships that could provide a beneficial boost.

10. Jake Chiasson

Chiasson hasn't quite lived up to the expectations of his draft placement, but still received his entry-level contract from the Oilers because they believe he still has a lot more left to offer. In his defense he did miss the majority of his 2021-22 season due to injury, and then started this year on a weaker Brandon team before being traded to a Saskatoon club that played much differently. While he flashed some intriguing power forward elements in his draft season those largely haven't panned out since then. Interestingly, though, his off-puck play did start to look better once he joined the stingy and structured Blades, utilizing his athleticism and speed. Maybe he'll have a more likely path to the NHL by focusing on being a checking winger and penalty killer. One more season in junior before turning pro would be the best thing for his long-term growth.