Olivier Rodrigue – McKeen's Hockey

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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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

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 2024 NHL PROSPECT REPORT – #32 Edmonton Oilers

Player Profiles - Brock Otten, Team Overview - Robert Howard — Mon, 27 May 2024 19:13:52 +0000

EDM - Xavier Bourgault

The Oilers organizational depth drops to the bottom of the league prior to the NHL Draft. There were no new graduates out of their system this season, and it only made three picks in the last draft, two of them late in the 6th and 7th rounds. Beau Akey, picked 56th overall, was the only meaningful addition, ranking as the team’s third best prospect. Edmonton finds themselves, once again, without a first-round pick, GM Holland moved it in the deadline trade package for Adam Henrique and Sam Carrick. As a team clearly in a win-now mindset, with Connor McDavid in his prime and Leon Draisaitl a free agent after next season, Holland will continue to move any assets available to provide the support pieces needed to win the Stanley Cup.

They remain hopeful some young players currently in their line-up, such as Dylan Holloway and Philip Broberg can contribute more. However, both have appeared in trade rumours for more immediate help. Evan Bouchard broke out as star offensive defenseman this season after emerging in the latter part of last year, following the Tyson Barrie trade. Ryan McCleod graduated last season and is an important part of the bottom six. Where the organization has had some luck with their youngster is in the net. It became a glaring problem when Jack Campbell imploded to start the year, Stuart Skinner did step up to provide some assurance and collective sigh of relief from management. While it was not flawless, that is not surprising for a 25-year-old and looks like he will be a long-term solution. The Oilers must also be very happy with the steady development of 5th ranked, 23-year-old Olivier Rodrigue, who has emerged as one of the better goalies in the AHL and could have shot at backing up Skinner to start next season or make another interesting trade chip. It is all about right now.

RNK	PLAYER	POS	AGE	HT/WT	TM	Acquired	GP	G(W)	A(L)	PTS(GAA)	PIM(SPCT)
1	Xavier Bourgault	C	21	6-0/170	Bakersfield (AHL)	`21(22nd)	55	8	12	20	24
2	Raphael Lavoie	RW	23	6-4/215	Bakersfield (AHL)	`19(38th)	66	28	22	50	64
3	Beau Akey	D	19	6-0/185	Barrie (OHL)	`23(56th)	14	4	5	9	12
4	Matvey Petrov	LW	21	6-2/180	Bakersfield (AHL)	`21(180th)	53	9	5	14	34
5	Olivier Rodrigue	G	23	6-1/165	Bakersfield (AHL)	`18(62nd)	37	19	12	2.73	0.916
6	Max Wanner	D	21	6-3/185	Bakersfield (AHL)	`21(212th)	68	7	10	17	37
7	Carter Savoie	LW	22	5-9/190	Bakersfield (AHL)	`20(100th)	63	10	12	22	22
8	Ty Tullio	RW	22	5-10/165	Bakersfield (AHL)	`20(126th)	54	9	12	21	36
9	Jayden Grubbe	C	21	6-3/200	Bakersfield (AHL)	T(NYR-5/23)	67	8	6	14	53
10	Shane Lachance	LW	20	6-4/195	Boston University (HE)	`21(186th)	40	13	14	27	12
11	Matt Copponi	C	20	5-11/175	Merrimack (HE)	`23(216th)	30	7	25	32	48
12	Luca Munzenberger	D	21	6-2/195	Vermont (HE)	`21(90th)	32	1	2	3	51
13	Maxim Berezkin	RW	22	6-2/200	Lokomotiv Yaroslavl (KHL)	`20(138th)	62	8	22	30	18
14	Nikita Yevseyev	D	19	6-1/185	Bars Kazan-Neftyanik Almetievsk (VHL)	`22(190th)	38	2	10	12	40
14	Nikita Yevseyev	D	19	6-1/185	Ak Bars Kazan (KHL)	`22(190th)	19	1	2	3	6
15	Ryan Fanti	G	24	6-3/200	Fort Wayne (ECHL)	FA(3/22)	17	9	6	2.75	0.915

1. Xavier Bourgault, C, Bakersfield Condors (AHL)

It certainly hasn’t been the best year for Bourgault and his development. The former first round pick hit a sophomore slump in the AHL with Bakersfield and has been particularly ineffective in the second half of the season. The Condors have a pretty veteran laden roster, especially up front, and Bourgault just hasn’t been able to earn consistent ice time and offensive opportunities because of it. However, it’s way too early to give up on the talented pivot. He still possesses top six upside, particularly because of his scoring ability and high end shot. The focus for him needs to be on continuing to improve his quickness and his strength to allow him to earn more touches. He needs to do a better job playing through contact and this summer will be a big one for him from a conditioning standpoint.

2. Raphael Lavoie, C/RW, Bakersfield Condors (AHL)

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, just as he has 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 this season, he’s been a virtual non-factor. The strong North/South attacker still has NHL upside as a middle six scorer. He’s still likely to get a qualifying offer from the Oilers because of their lack of system depth. The Oilers also have six bottom nine forwards coming off the books this offseason. There will be another opportunity for Lavoie to earn a spot next year. But that will be his last chance at prospect relevance. It’s do or die time for him.

3. Beau Akey, D, Barrie Colts (OHL)

Unfortunately, Akey has 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 next 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 to the top of Edmonton’s prospect pool.

4. Matvey Petrov, RW/LW, Bakersfield Condors (AHL)

As mentioned with Bourgault, the Condors have a pretty veteran laden roster this year and that’s made it difficult for Petrov to get significant ice time in his rookie AHL season. The former North Bay 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. Hopefully, next 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.

5. Olivier Rodrigue, G, Bakersfield Condors (AHL)

It has taken a while, but Rodrigue has finally turned the corner as a prospect. He has been one of the better goaltenders in the AHL this year in his fourth pro season. Facing waivers next year, it seems likely that Edmonton will start the year with him backing up Stuart Skinner; a fantastic opportunity for Rodrigue to prove his worth. 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.

6. Max Wanner, D, Bakersfield Condors (AHL)

Wanner has put a year to forget behind him as he’s put together a very solid freshman campaign in the AHL with Bakersfield. Wanner was limited to only 44 WHL games last 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 6’3”, 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.

7. Carter Savoie, LW, Bakersfield Condors (AHL)

After winning an NCAA championship with Denver in 2022, Savoie turned pro with Edmonton, something that caught some people in the scouting community off guard. While he unquestionably had a strong sophomore year, there was belief that he still needed to get quicker and stronger to withstand the rigors of the pro game given his lack of stature. After two mediocre pro seasons in Bakersfield, it appears that those critics were correct. That said, it’s way too early to give up on Carter. He still possesses high end skill and vision with the puck, and he still has great offensive upside as a pro. This is going to be a big offseason for him. There’s still a need for him to work on his quickness to give him that elusiveness he needs as a smaller player. Can he step up next year and earn more ice time after some of Bakersfield’s veteran forwards move on?

8. Tyler Tullio, C/RW, Bakersfield Condors (AHL)

The former Oshawa Generals standout is currently in his second pro year, and he wasn’t able to take that next step as an offensive player with Bakersfield. Entering the pro ranks, there was some concern about Tullio’s offensive game translating and thus far those concerns have proven correct. That said, Tullio brings value as a high energy player away from the puck. He competes for touches on retrievals and along the wall. He forechecks hard. He backchecks hard. He still has upside as a bottom six player for the Oilers if he can continue to improve his confidence with the puck and continue to build up strength that would allow him to play this type of game at the NHL level at his size. As mentioned with other players in the Oilers’ system, Tullio stands to earn more ice time next year and that will be a huge one for his development.

9. Jayden Grubbe, C, Bakersfield Condors (AHL)

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 but the hope remains that he can play that shut down defensive role well at the NHL level someday.

10. Shane LaChance, LW, Boston University (NCAA)

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, a rarity for sure. However, this allowed him to build up confidence in his offensive game and improve his puck skill and skating. His offensive explosion with Youngstown has proved to be no fluke after LaChance was fantastic for Boston University this year as a freshman. He proved to be an excellent complementary player to Macklin Celebrini, seeing consistent ice time with the likely first overall pick, helping to open up ice and prolong possessions for him and fellow linemate Jack Harvey. The real test will be next year when Celebrini inevitably turns pro and other components of BU’s roster get an overhaul. Can LaChance take on more offensive responsibility and drive play more individually?

PROSPECT CRITERIA: Players under 26 years of age as of 9/15/2024 who have appeared in less than 60 games (30 for goalies) and less than 25 in one season (25 for goalies).

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.

MCKEEN’S 2022-23 NHL YEARBOOK – EDMONTON OILERS – Top 20 Prospects

Contributors – Brock Otten, Ethan Hetu, Arlo Schulz, Zack Szweras, Eloi Biondi — Sun, 18 Sep 2022 17:59:07 +0000

1 - Xavier Bourgault C

A teammate of Stars top prospect Mavrik Bourque on the QMJHL Champion Shawinigan Cataractes, Bourgault and Bourque formed possibly the best duo in the CHL this season. They both compliment themselves perfectly on the ice. Bourgault is an amazing offensive talent who has an amazing shot as well as good passing abilities. He can open up passing and shooting lanes with his tremendous skating ability. He has very good hockey sense as he knows where to always position himself on the ice. A lot of people were questioning Oilers GM Ken Holland's decision to pick Bourgault ahead of goaltender Jesper Wallstedt, but the early returns suggest that the Oilers got an amazing player in Xavier Bourgault that could fit amazingly well on a line with (possibly) Leon Draisaitl or Connor McDavid in the future (depending on what position he settles into as a pro). Speaking of which, Bourgault will start his pro career this season, likely in Bakersfield of the AHL. Depending on how he performs, he should move relatively quickly through the Oilers’ system and could even earn a look as early as this year. He has top six potential. - EB

2 - Philip Broberg D

The Edmonton Oilers selected Broberg with the 8^th overall pick of the 2019 NHL draft. He has quietly worked his way onto the NHL roster, playing a semi-regular role in their defensive rotation. After his draft year, Broberg spent the next couple of seasons playing in the SHL, where he produced 8 and 13 points over his next two regular seasons. While his offensive game may not have stood out in the SHL, he was able to harness his athleticism and raw tools to turn into more of a complete player. Standing at 6’3”, Broberg is a smooth skater with a fluid stride. He uses his silky stride to quickly transition pucks from his own end into the offensive zone. When defending, he exudes confidence and is not afraid to establish physicality and play aggressively. This past season, Broberg transitioned to North America and earned a role with Edmonton’s AHL team, the Bakersfield Condors, playing mostly in the top-four. While playing for Bakersfield, Broberg focused on improving his offensive game, making better decisions, reading plays earlier and setting up his teammates. He finished his AHL stint with 23 points in 31 games before getting the call-up to the NHL. Broberg played more sheltered minutes up with the Oilers, focusing on his defensive and transition games. He finished the year playing 23 NHL games, producing 3 points. Broberg will look to add to his NHL career and fight for a spot on the blueline in training camp. Whether the points are there or not, he should be able to establish himself as a top-six defender for the Oilers based on his defensive and transition play alone. - ZS

3 - Dylan Holloway C

A wrist injury delayed the start to Holloway’s pro debut this year, but his first season in the AHL was still a success. With each passing month for Bakersfield, his confidence grew and, as such, his production improved. There was some initial thought that Holloway would jump straight to the NHL from the University of Wisconsin, but the wrist injury he suffered caused Edmonton to take a more patient approach with him. He is a prototypical power winger. His skating ability is a major strength as his straight-line speed is terrific for a player of his size. Holloway also revels in the opportunity to play the body. He does not play around defenders; he plays through them. Over the course of his NCAA career, he developed into a top-notch defensive forward, too. The million-dollar question has always been, how effective will Holloway be as an offensive player at the NHL level? He is not an overly creative player, even if he has good hands. He finishes well in tight and can find his way to the net, but he does not own an upper echelon shot. In all, Holloway probably profiles best as a complementary piece on a scoring line who can clear space, play with pace, and support his linemates off the puck. It just so happens that Connor McDavid could use someone like that on his flank. This season, there is a chance that Holloway cracks camp with Edmonton as a bottom six player and from there, he should slowly develop into a quality, all situations winger for the Oilers. - BO

4 - Carter Savoie LW

The Denver Pioneers were the 2022 champions of NCAA Men’s Hockey, and Carter Savoie was a major reason why. Savoie was a fourth-round pick at the 2020 NHL draft and is the brother of Buffalo Sabres prospect Matthew Savoie, the eighth overall pick at the 2022 NHL draft. Savoie is a five-foot-nine winger who scored at a goal-per-game rate in the AJHL. Upon coming to Denver, Savoie made an immediate goal-scoring impact, and his abilities as a sniper became even more clear as a sophomore when he potted 23 goals in 39 games playing next to Flyer’s prospect Bobby Brink. While Brink did much of the chance creation for Savoie, Savoie’s exceptional ability as a triggerman made that line click as well as it did. Savoie’s shot is good enough to allow him to be a scoring threat from the perimeter, and he often got himself into the right place at the right time. Like Brink, though, Savoie doesn’t skate as well as you’d want for an undersized player, and he doesn’t offer the same level of play-driving offensive generation as Brink. Ultimately, though, putting the puck into the net is still an extremely difficult thing to do, and Savoie has done that exceptionally well wherever he’s been. It’s possible that Savoie’s lack of tools outside of his shot keeps him from having an NHL impact, but if he can get a chance in the future to stick with one of the Oilers’ top playmakers, he could surprise a lot of people. He’s a goal-scorer, and there is always room for pure goal-scorers in the NHL. He’ll have to prove he can remain a top-flight sniper at the AHL level first, though. - EH

5 - Raphael Lavoie RW

The big winger is coming off of his first full pro season with Bakersfield after playing in Sweden for the majority of the pandemic. At this point, consistency remains an issue for Lavoie. He has significant potential as a goal scorer. He has a strong wrist shot, a quick release, and good scoring instincts. It also doesn’t hurt that he’s 6’4 and can protect the puck well from defenders with his reach and frame. However, some of the things that prevented him from becoming an elite QMJHL player also prevented him from becoming a reliable offensive contributor for Bakersfield last year. His skating and pace of play still needs to improve. He needs to use his size more away from the puck to win jousts and to get himself clean looks. Overall, his physical intensity level just needs to be higher. However, as stated, Lavoie does have top six potential as a complementary goal scorer. Patience will be key for Edmonton as they wait for him to improve and become a more consistent player. He will return to Bakersfield this coming season and should be given an opportunity to be a top six player with significant powerplay time. The key for Lavoie will be to outplay some of the standout forward prospects turning pro this year, as competition for ice time will be fierce. - BO

6 - Dmitri Samorukov D

The Oilers have definitely had to be patient with Samorukov. Drafted as a bit of a project out of the OHL, he has slowly emerged as one of the team’s top defensive prospects. First, it was in the OHL where he improved to the point of being one of the league’s best defenders, helping the Guelph Storm capture an OHL Championship in 2019. However, after an up and down first pro year, Samorukov returned to Russia to play in the KHL during the pandemic. Last season, he returned to Bakersfield to become one of the team’s top defenders. As a pro, his offensive production has not been terrific, as his offensive skills have not translated quite as well as some may have anticipated. However, he has stabilized his defensive approach to become very reliable in the defensive end. He plays with physicality. He is aggressive in taking away space. He can initiate the breakout and skate the puck out of trouble. Let us not forget that it took some time for Samorukov to become an offensive standout in the OHL too. This coming season he might have the inside track at a third pairing role with the main club in Edmonton. At the very least, he should be one of the team’s top injury call ups. He is close, very close, to realizing his potential as a second or third pairing defender for the Oilers. - BO

7 - Reid Schaefer LW

A late bloomer of sorts, Schaefer was six days too young for the 2021 draft which worked out to his advantage as he likely would have gone undrafted. Instead, a third season in junior with the Silvertips saw Schaefer break out with 32 goals to go with 88 penalty minutes, establishing himself as a budding power forward, before being selected by his hometown Oilers with the final pick of the first round in 2022. Schaefer skates well for a big man although it will never be a strength of his. His bread and butter is his physical play, as he protects the puck well and won’t be beaten along the boards and on the cycle. His shot release is also a weapon and will result in a lot of goals at every level simply by going to the right places and letting the puck find him long enough to get the shot off. Schaefer doesn’t carry the puck well and frankly isn’t an asset to his team with it on his stick, unless it’s to shoot. He does display decent awareness and hockey sense, which has led to some penalty-kill usage, and can make routine plays to teammates off the cycle but struggles in zone exits and in transition. It will be interesting to see what the future looks like for players like Schaefer in the NHL, which seems to be trending towards more transitional play and prioritizing speed. He is a long-term project and will need time to work on his skating, puck skills, and executing at a high tempo. Expect at least another year of junior in 2022-23, with the possibility of staying in the WHL for his overage year followed by some AHL seasoning. - AS

8 - Matvei Petrov LW

Heading into the 2021 NHL Draft, Petrov was highly hyped as one of the better Russian prospects available, but a poor showing in the MHL caused him to fall to the 6th round, where Edmonton selected him. A year later and that looks like an excellent selection as he exploded as a first-year player with the North Bay Battalion of the OHL. He exceeded all expectations to become one of the league’s best goal scorers as a 19-year-old. Petrov is a gifted scorer. Not only can he rip one-timers working the area near the wall on the powerplay, but he also owns a powerful and deceptive wrist shot that he uses when pressured. Even more surprising (based on his MHL play previously), Petrov showed well as a playmaker too, with especially good vision coming off the wall and when carrying in transition. Offensively, he has proven to be a player with few weaknesses. Away from the puck, is another story. Heading back to the OHL again this coming season, the Oilers will be looking for Petrov to improve his commitment to playing a 200-foot game, in addition to being more consistently involved and engaged physically. With another good CHL season, he could really vault himself up prospect rankings. He looks like a potential future contributor in a top six role for the Oilers. - BO

9 - Stuart Skinner G

In 2018, Stuart Skinner backstopped the Swift Current Broncos to a WHL Championship, emerging as a quality goaltending prospect. Since then…it has been quite a ride. A year in the ECHL, a few in the AHL. Skinner initially struggled at the pro level and there was some concern that he was not improving. However, he took a step forward in 2021 and then another last season. With his strong play in Bakersfield, he earned a look with Edmonton where he was largely terrific. There is a reason why it is stated that goaltenders take longer to develop. Now on the cusp of his 24th birthday, Skinner is poised to be the full time back up in Edmonton (behind the newly signed Jack Campbell). For the 6’4 netminder, his professional odds have always been staked to his ability to improve his athleticism and quickness. Over his pro career, Skinner has done that. He will never be confused with Dominik Hasek, but Skinner has worked hard to become quicker post to post to help him take greater advantage of his size and to help him track the play better. He squares to shooters well, controls rebounds, and makes the saves that he needs to make to keep his team in games. It is unknown whether Skinner has the potential to be a true number one netminder in the NHL, however, more will be known based on his performance this year. - BO

10 - Ty Tullio RW

Last season didn’t quite go according to plan for the Oshawa Generals, especially in the second half where they struggled mightily. However, one constant was the play of Ty Tullio. His final year in the OHL was a very positive one. It is hard not to notice Tullio on the ice. He involves himself in all aspects of the play, constantly working to get himself open, to earn touches, or to reacquire the puck for Oshawa. He’s not huge, but his compete level is very high. His best assets might be his release and his hands in tight, something that could make him a solid complementary goal scorer at the next level. As he turns pro this season with Bakersfield, the focus will be on Tullio to continue to get quicker and for him to build up strength. To play his game effectively at the pro level, he will need to be one of the stronger guys on the ice. Look for Edmonton to ease him into responsibility at the pro level. He probably starts in an energy role in the bottom six next year before moving up the lineup in his second/third pro seasons. If all goes according to plan, he could be a solid middle six option in the future and a possible fan favorite in Edmonton. - BO

11 - Tyler Benson

This is a make-or-break season for Benson in the Oilers organization. The former WHL star and playmaking winger has proven to be a standout at the AHL level but has yet to transfer that ability to the NHL level.

12 - Ryan Fanti

The Oilers signed Fanti as a free agent after a standout season with the University of Minnesota-Duluth. The 6’3 netminder may end up in the ECHL this year thanks to the Oilers' pro depth in net.

13 - Markus Niemelainen

Niemelainen has always been an intriguing prospect because of his massive frame (6’6) and strong skating ability on the back end. It has taken some time for him to find a true role, but he seems to have settled into being a defensive first player and could be a depth piece for Edmonton this year.

14 - Olivier Rodrigue

The former QMJHL standout has struggled in his first two pro seasons. Rodrigue is an extremely athletic netminder, but he has struggled with his consistency and play tracking at the AHL level. He is likely playing for a QO this season.

15 - Maxim Beryozkin

Beryozkin has among the highest offensive upsides of any forward in the Oilers’ system currently. He will need to prove that he can score above the KHL level.

16 - Luca Munzenberger

The big and physical German defender is entering his sophomore season at the University of Vermont. His upside is limited, but he could develop into a third pairing stay at home type down the line.

17 - Joel Maatta

A teammate of Munzenberger’s at Vermont, Maatta is a pure defensive center who projects as a lockdown 4th liner and penalty killer. Edmonton will want to see more offense from him at the NCAA level.

18 - Michael Kesselring

The mobile defender with size is similar to Markus Niemelainen in that he skates well for a larger blueliner, but his future NHL projection is fairly murky. A few more years at the AHL level should give Edmonton an indication of a potential future role.

19 - Phil Kemp

Yet another defense first defender, Kemp is a little less athletic than the guys ranked ahead of him but is a little more composed. He played well for Bakersfield last season.

20 - James Hamblin

A nice surprise at the AHL level last season, Hamblin finished second in goals for the Condors. The former free agent signing out of the WHL is not the biggest or the quickest, but he has progressed well.

2021-22 TOP 15 PROSPECTS: EDMONTON OILERS – RANK: #11 – TIER III

McKeen's Hockey — Fri, 10 Sep 2021 16:03:14 +0000

Edmonton Oilers

#11 Edmonton - Much like their NHL club, the Oilers' system is very strong up top, and thins out far too quickly.

MONTREAL, QC - FEBRUARY 11: Look on Edmonton Oilers defenseman Evan Bouchard (75) at warm-up before the Edmonton Oilers versus the Montreal Canadiens game on February 11, 2021, at Bell Centre in Montreal, QC (Photo by David Kirouac/Icon Sportswire)

Philip Broberg

The expectations are high for Philip Broberg, the 8^th overall pick of the 2019 NHL Draft, but his last season did not scream “NHL ready.” Broberg has struggled throughout the last year with Skelleftea AIK in the SHL. His ice time dropped significantly after a promising start and his statistics were not great either. Broberg has very good offensive skills and his skating is absolutely exceptional, especially for a guy of his size (6-3”, 203 lbs). Although there are positives in his game, he did not look great with Skelleftea at all. Broberg was prone to make mistakes, mainly in his own defensive end. He finished the year with 13 points (3+10) in 44 SHL games, but also captained the Swedish U20 team at the World Junior Championships.

He is exactly a player who would benefit from coming to North America. Philip Broberg is a big (although not very physical) guy who skates extremely well; someone whose game will look a lot better on the smaller ice. He still has a lot of potential and there are things to like about his game, but the Oilers should not rush him to the NHL, even though their defense wouldn't mind some help. All in all, Broberg has the ability to become a top four defenseman if he can harness his raw abilities, even though he is a really divisive prospect. - MD

Evan Bouchard

After starting last year playing in the Allsvenskan (Swedish second tier), Bouchard returned to the NHL where his playing time was incredibly inconsistent. As an NHL Rookie, Bouchard did remain with the Oilers for the entire year, but he spent long stretches as an NHL scratch, leaving many to ponder how that was best for his development. When he did play, Bouchard saw time anchoring the Oilers’ second powerplay unit and was given some chances to showcase his puck moving ability.

The two keys to Bouchard’s development have always been his ability to improve his mobility/quickness, in addition to his ability to take away space from attackers in the defensive end. His four-way quickness and overall skating ability has definitely improved from his time with the London Knights. However, he is still working hard to bring his defensive game up to par, in addition to gaining the confidence with the puck to unlock his offensive potential. While Edmonton did resign Tyson Barrie and bring in other other veteran defenders, Bouchard still figures to be a permanent fixture in the lineup this season and will be brought along slowly, allowing him to build confidence so that he can eventually develop into a top four defender for the Oilers in the next few years. - BO

Dylan Holloway

An NHL-style North-South power winger, Holloway showed significant improvement in his second (and final) season with Wisconsin, although he looked more like his older, out-of-control, flying-by-the-seat-of-his-pants presence during his run with Team Canada at the WJC. He has since turned pro, and we have a pretty good grasp on what his ceiling and floor each look like. At his worst, he is a very strong skater, plays to (hard) contact, and is a bear to defend against. You could throw that player on an NHL third line tomorrow, and he would be effective. Maybe a little penalty prone, although he kept that issue in check last season, but he will make your attack deeper and his high motor forechecking would help to tenderize the defense. Not a superstar, but a positive contributor.

At his best, he does all of the above, but keeps to the right side of the law, and leads more cycle attacks, driving possessions with multiple scoring chances per shift, and personally scoring at a clear top six rate. Still not a superstar, but a star. Capable of playing both center and left wing, Holloway could break camp with Edmonton if they want to develop him on the wing and grow into middle six minutes this year. If the Oilers prefer his future down the middle, a year on the farm would be advisable. Used correctly, Holloway could be instrumental in helping Edmonton get to the next level as a team. - RW

Xavier Bourgault

An extremely well-rounded offensive player, Bourgault finished second to his center (and Dallas Stars first round selection) Mavrik Bourque on Shawinigan in points per game with 1.38. However, his 20 goals in 29 games did lead the team and was one of the highest goals per game rates in the QMJHL. A versatile forward who can play both center and wing, Bourgault is both highly skilled and highly intelligent. A magician with the puck, he can create scoring chances for himself or for his linemates, with the ability to beat defenders one on one and routinely come away with the puck in 50/50 battles.

A slighter forward (at 172lbs), Bourgault could definitely be more effective in his own zone with some added strength and increased physicality. Additionally, by adding more muscle, Bourgault would be harder to knock off the puck in the offensive zone too. At times, he does not secure the puck as well as he should, opting to extend his stick too far, allowing defenders to angle him off the corner. Whether you believe he is a center long term or sticks on the wing as he has played in Shawinigan later in the year, Bourgault does profile as a top six forward because of his well-rounded skill set. Depending on how his game develops further, this could be as a prime-time facilitator or as more of a complementary, support piece. His versatility was an attractive characteristic to the Oilers who look to support their star forwardS McDavid and Draisaitl. - McKeen’s Draft Guide 2021

Raphael Lavoie

After four strong QMJHL seasons and a performance for Canada at the World Junior Championships, the big winger started his pro journey in 2020/21. What a year to start that. Due to the pandemic, Lavoie actually secured a loan in Sweden with Vasby of the Allsvenskan to start the year. He performed very well in the second-tier Swedish men’s league, leading Vasby in scoring by a significant margin and his 23 goals were tied for fifth in the entire league. Following the conclusion of the Swedish season, he joined Bakersfield of the AHL with mixed results.

The key for Lavoie has always been an ability to find a consistent motor. A strong skater for a bigger winger, he has always gone through bouts of inconsistency because he stops moving his feet and his physical intensity wavers. Armed with a big shot and strong puck protection skills, he is at his best when he drives the net consistently and can get himself near the crease. Lavoie will play the entire year in the AHL this season, in all likelihood, as he tries to establish himself as a consistent top six scoring threat. From there, he could secure a top six spot on the Oilers and has the chance to be a consistent 20 goal scorer for the team down the line. - BO

Ryan McLeod

After a difficult first pro season with Bakersfield two seasons ago, McLeod was the breakout star of the Oilers’ system this past year, in his sophomore pro campaign. McLeod averaged a point per game for the Condors, earning a late season NHL call up that also saw McLeod play in Edmonton’s first round series loss to Winnipeg. While his offensive responsibilities and production were limited, McLeod did play good minutes for the Oilers on the penalty kill, bringing energy and pace to the lineup.

Entering the pro ranks from the OHL, McLeod was deemed a project. He had the combination of size and quickness that you look for in an NHL center these days. His skill and playmaking ability were never questioned. However, the consistency of his engagement level left some to be desired, preventing him from being the kind of dominant OHL player that he could have been. This past season in Bakersfield, McLeod finally figured out how to tap into his vast skill set to be an impactful player at both ends and it has made him a serious candidate to be a permanent Edmonton Oiler as early as next season. He projects as a solid two-way, middle six forward who can play in all situations. - BO

Carter Savoie

A somewhat divisive prospect in his draft year in the AJHL, Savoie was an offensive powerhouse with Sherwood Park, leading the league in goals with 10 red lights separating him from the runner-up. No one argued about his ability to put the puck in the net, but there was no shortage of skeptics who had concerns about his dedication away from the puck, and his size/speed combo. He hasn’t really grown physically in the last year, and his skating is still not exactly a strong point in his game, but his aforementioned ability of putting the puck in the net is still there, as he scored a very impressive 13 times in 24 games for the Denver Pioneers as a freshman, leading the team by five.

He is not the perfect player, but his brand of hockey is more than effective enough to have been well worth the 4^th round pick used on him by Edmonton. The Oilers should be in no rush to get him away from campus, as the more well-rounded his game becomes, the more effective he will be once he does move forward with his career. He needs to improve his play at even strength (half of his points came on the power play as a freshman) and grow more comfortable using his linemates. If everything works out, he could turn out as a Michael Cammalleri type player. - RW

Tyler Benson

It’s been a strange road for the former 1^st overall bantam pick, who took his talents to Switzerland last season for a 15-game stint amid the pandemic, before returning to North America for a third season in the AHL, where he managed a point per game. Through all of that, however, he didn’t get a sniff of the NHL. Benson is already 23 but has fought a myriad of injuries over his career thus far, leaving many to wonder exactly how much untapped upside remains for the former highly touted prospect.

The biggest concern besides durability, is his skating. Benson has sluggish feet and doesn’t move as well as one would like, but he does possess fantastic vision along with some grit and is aware defensively, which could be his ticket to eventually becoming a bottom-six player in the NHL as a late-bloomer. He signed a one-year two-way extension with the Oilers organization this summer and will have his work cut out to crack the team, which added depth up front and may not have as many available roster spots in training camp. It is certainly a make-it-or-break-it year of sorts for the winger, who is relishing the opportunity to make the jump to the NHL and show he belongs. Time will tell. - AS

Ilya Konovalov

Last season started poorly for Konovalov even before it began. During the offseason the new Lokomotiv coach brought his favorite goalie with him (former NA pro Eddie Pasquale). This left Konovalov as a backup with a rather limited number of starts. He did not play poorly during the season, however he was also never really given an actual opportunity to start the way he did the two years prior.

Given the situation last year, it was not surprising to see that Konovalov had signed with the Oilers as soon as possible after the KHL season had ended. Given the step back last season, he needs to be getting as many starts as possible this season and the Oilers' system should be good in that way. In general, in the case of Konovalov we have an effective goalie in terms of technique, however given his lack of size, his rebound control and ability to fight through traffic need to be improved. As he is a smaller goalie, he may not have the potential to be a starting netminder in the NHL, even if his performance to date has been strong. This season should tell us more about his potential. - VF

Dmitri Samorukov

A former standout with the Guelph Storm of the OHL, Samorukov is coming off of an excellent season in the KHL with CSKA Moskva after being loaned there by the Oilers for 2020/21. His +24 rating was the best in the KHL by any U22 player...and by a large margin. His offensive production tapered off towards the end of the season and he suffered a minor shoulder injury that put an early end to his season, but it was still a great year for his development.

Samorukov has always stood out because of his well-rounded, two-way skill set. He skates well. He moves the puck well. He has good defensive instincts and can play a physical game. He has a cannon of a point shot. There is a lot to like and a lot that would suggest Samorukov can develop into a quality second pairing defender for the Oilers. The question has always been about whether his offensive talent can truly stand out at the NHL level, or whether he profiles as more of a stay-at-home blueliner. With Evan Bouchard likely with the Oilers full time this season, the door should be open for Samorukov to receive top pairing ice time in the AHL, including powerplay time. This should give the Oilers a better indication of how close he is to the NHL level and how high his ceiling is. - BO

Stuart Skinner

The competition in Bakersfield is about to get intense, with Konovalov entering the fold this year. However, Skinner performed well in the AHL last season and has given himself a leg up on the previously more highly regarded Olivier Rodrigue. The former third rounder looks like he could develop to at least become a quality back-up for the Oilers in the future.

Tyler Tullio

It will be great for Tullio to return to the OHL this season, where he should be a go-to point producer for the Oshawa Generals. The competitive and determined winger needs to show that he can be more than a supportive piece; that he can create his own chances with pace and improve his play with the puck.

Cooper Marody

The time is now for Marody to secure a roster spot on the Oilers as he is out of options and will need to pass through waivers to go to the AHL this season. After three strong AHL seasons, the talented pivot will compete for a bottom six spot.

Olivier Rodrigue

The transition from the CHL to the AHL can be a difficult one for goaltenders. Shooters are more precise. The action moves quicker. Overall, Rodrigue’s first season in Bakersfield did not go extremely well. However, the athletic former second rounder is still a potential NHL netminder. Patience is a virtue when it comes to developing goalies.

William Lagesson

The blueline in Edmonton is looking pretty crowded at this point, so the 25-year-old Swedish defender has his work cut out for him to earn a spot this year. However, the physical two-way defenseman does have the ability to be a third pairing type, whether that is with Edmonton remains to be seen.

McKeen’s 2020-21 Hockey Yearbook: Top 300 Prospect Rankings

McKeen's Hockey — Fri, 04 Dec 2020 17:09:56 +0000

These are our final prospect ranking prior to the start of the season. As a subscriber you can download the list in an excel chart and can link to the player pages in the chart found here. As always, the rankings you see below are based on our 20-80 scouting system looking at five categories for skaters (Skating, Shot, Puck Skills, Hockey Smarts, Physicality) and six for netminders (Athleticism/Quickness/Speed, Compete/Temperament, Vision/Play Reading, Technique/Style, Rebound Control, Puck Handling). Our prospect team spent large portions of their last few months pre-COVID in the rinks, watching the players below and many others, and further work on video (Instat Hockey has been a terrific resource in recent days) before passing judgement on their future projections.

The 20-80 scouting system is meant to allow players from different leagues in different parts of the world to be compared to one another, such that grades on a player in the OHL can be directly compared to grades from an AHL player, and to grades of someone playing in the MHL.

PROSPECT CRITERIA

Players under 26 years of age as of the September 15th prior (Sep. 15, 1994) to the season in question who have appeared in less than 60 NHL games (30 for goalies) and less than 35 in any one season – or 25 last year (20 for goalies, 15 last season) are considered prospects

RANK	PLAYER	NHL	POS	AGE	HT/WT	ACQUIRED
1	Alexis Lafreniere	NYR	LW	19	6-1/195	`20(1st)
2	Tim Stutzle	Ott	C	18	6-1/185	`20(3rd)
3	Quinton Byfield	LA	C	18	6-4/215	`20(2nd)
4	Trevor Zegras	Ana	C	19	6-0/170	`19(9th)
5	Kirill Kaprizov	Min	LW	23	5-10/200	`15(135th)
6	Lucas Raymond	Det	LW	18	5-11/170	`20(4th)
7	Dylan Cozens	Buf	C	19	6-3/185	`19(7th)
8	Bowen Byram	Col	D	19	6-0/195	`19(4th)
9	Peyton Krebs	VGK	C	19	5-11/180	`19(17th)
10	Jake Sanderson	Ott	D	18	6-1/185	`20(5th)
11	Moritz Seider	Det	D	19	6-3/185	`19(6th)
12	Jamie Drysdale	Ana	D	18	5-11/175	`20(6th)
13	Igor Shesterkin	NYR	G	25	6-1/190	`14(118th)
14	Alexander Holtz	NJ	RW	18	6-0/190	`20(7th)
15	Cole Perfetti	Wpg	LW	19	5-10/180	`20(10th)
16	Marco Rossi	Min	C	19	5-9/185	`20(9th)
17	Vasili Podkolzin	Van	RW	19	6-1/190	`19(10th)
18	Victor Soderstrom	Ari	D	19	5-11/180	`19(11th)
19	Nick Robertson	Tor	LW	19	5-9/160	`19(53rd)
20	Cole Caufield	Mtl	RW	19	5-7/165	`19(15th)
21	Yaroslav Askarov	Nsh	G	18	6-3/175	`20(11th)
22	Spencer Knight	Fla	G	19	6-3/195	`19(13th)
23	Philip Broberg	Edm	D	19	6-3/200	`19(8th)
24	Jack Quinn	Buf	RW	19	6-0/180	`20(8th)
25	Matthew Boldy	Min	LW	19	6-1/190	`19(12th)
26	Nils Lundkvist	NYR	D	20	5-11/180	`18(28th)
27	Seth Jarvis	Car	RW	18	5-10/175	`20(13th)
28	Ty Smith	NJ	D	20	5-10/180	`18(17th)
29	Grigori Denisenko	Fla	LW	20	5-11/185	`18(15th)
30	Barrett Hayton	Ari	C	20	6-1/190	`18(5th)
31	Alex Newhook	Col	C	19	5-10/195	`19(16th)
32	Thomas Harley	Dal	D	19	6-3/190	`19(18th)
33	Alex Turcotte	LA	C	19	5-11/185	`19(5th)
34	Vitali Kravtsov	NYR	RW	21	6-3/185	`18(9th)
35	Philip Tomasino	Nsh	C	19	5-11/180	`19(24th)
36	Connor McMichael	Wsh	C	19	5-11/175	`19(25th)
37	Dawson Mercer	NJ	C	19	6-0/180	`20(18th)
38	Ilya Sorokin	NYI	G	25	6-2/180	`14(78th)
39	Gabriel Vilardi	LA	RW	21	6-3/200	`17(11th)
40	Ryan Merkley	SJ	D	20	5-11/170	`18(21st)
41	Alexander Romanov	Mtl	D	20	5-11/185	`18(38th)
42	Kaiden Guhle	Mtl	D	18	6-2/190	`20(16th)
43	Samuel Poulin	Pit	LW	19	6-1/205	`19(21st)
44	K'Andre Miller	NYR	D	20	6-3/205	`18(22nd)
45	Scott Perunovich	StL	D	22	5-10/175	`18(45th)
46	Evan Bouchard	Edm	D	21	6-2/195	`18(10th)
47	Braden Schneider	NYR	D	19	6-2/200	`20(19th)
48	Juuso Valimaki	Cgy	D	22	6-2/205	`17(16th)
49	Cam York	Phi	D	19	5-11/175	`19(14th)
50	Anton Lundell	Fla	C	19	6-1/185	`20(12th)
51	Morgan Frost	Phi	C	21	5-11/180	`17(27th)
52	Owen Tippett	Fla	RW	21	6-1/200	`17(10th)
53	Albert Johansson	Det	D	19	5-11/165	`19(60th)
54	Liam Foudy	CBJ	C	20	6-0/175	`18(18th)
55	Kieffer Bellows	NYI	LW	22	6-0/200	`16(19th)
56	Arthur Kaliyev	LA	RW	19	6-2/190	`19(33rd)
57	Oliver Wahlstrom	NYI	RW	20	6-1/205	`18(11th)
58	Nils Hoglander	Van	RW	20	5-9/185	`19(40th)
59	Matias Maccelli	Ari	LW	20	5-11/170	`19(98th)
60	Tobias Bjornfot	LA	D	19	6-0/200	`19(22nd)
61	Jacob Bernard-Docker	Ott	D	20	6-0/180	`18(26th)
62	Connor Zary	Cgy	C	19	6-0/180	`20(24th)
63	Dominik Bokk	Car	RW	20	6-1/180	T(StL-9/19)
64	Ryan Suzuki	Car	C	19	6-0/180	`19(28th)
65	Dylan Samberg	Wpg	D	21	6-3/190	`17(43rd)
66	Jake Bean	Car	D	22	6-1/175	`16(13th)
67	Josh Norris	Ott	C	21	6-1/195	T(SJ-9/18)
68	Rasmus Kupari	LA	C	20	6-1/185	`18(20th)
69	Jakob Pelletier	Cgy	LW	19	5-9/165	`19(26th)
70	Drake Batherson	Ott	RW	22	6-1/190	`17(121st)
71	Jan Jenik	Ari	RW	20	6-1/180	`18(65th)
72	John-Jason Peterka	Buf	LW	18	5-11/190	`20(34th)
73	Kirill Marchenko	CBJ	LW	20	6-3/190	`18(49th)
74	Bode Wilde	NYI	D	20	6-2/195	`18(41st)
75	John Beecher	Bos	C	19	6-3/210	`19(30th)
76	Tyler Madden	LA	C	21	5-10/155	T(Van-2/20)
77	Jack Studnicka	Bos	C	21	6-1/170	`17(53rd)
78	Jake Oettinger	Dal	G	22	6-4/210	`17(26th)
79	Alex Formenton	Ott	LW	21	6-2/165	`17(47th)
80	Matthew Robertson	NYR	D	19	6-3/200	`19(49th)
81	Calen Addison	Min	D	20	5-10/180	T(Pit-2/20)
82	Ty Dellandrea	Dal	C	20	6-0/185	`18(13th)
83	Akil Thomas	LA	C	20	5-11/170	`18(51st)
84	Mavrik Bourque	Dal	C	18	5-10/180	`20(30th)
85	Ian Mitchell	Chi	D	21	5-11/175	`17(57th)
86	Jason Robertson	Dal	LW	21	6-2/195	`17(39th)
87	Hendrix Lapierre	Wsh	C	18	5-11/180	`20(22nd)
88	Brendan Brisson	VGK	C	19	5-11/180	`20(29th)
89	Theodor Niederbach	Det	C	18	5-11/175	`20(51st)
90	Zac Jones	NYR	D	20	5-10/175	`19(68th)
91	Robert Mastrosimone	Det	LW	19	5-10/160	`19(54th)
92	Joe Veleno	Det	C	20	6-1/195	`18(30th)
93	Rodion Amirov	Tor	LW	19	6-0/170	`20(15th)
94	Jake Neighbours	StL	LW	18	5-11/195	`20(26th)
95	Julien Gauthier	NYR	RW	23	6-4/225	T(Car-2/20)
96	Justus Annunen	Col	G	20	6-4/215	`18(64th)
97	Egor Zamula	Phi	D	20	6-4/175	FA(9/18)
98	Shane Pinto	Ott	C	20	6-2/190	`19(32nd)
99	Noel Gunler	Car	RW	19	6-2/175	`20(41st)
100	Ridly Greig	Ott	C	18	5-11/165	`20(28th)
101	Jesse Ylonen	Mtl	RW	21	6-1/185	`18(35th)
102	Samuel Fagemo	LA	RW	20	6-0/195	`19(50th)
103	Mattias Norlinder	Mtl	D	20	5-11/180	`19(64th)
104	Olli Juolevi	Van	D	22	6-3/200	`16(5th)
105	Kristian Vesalainen	Wpg	LW	21	6-3/205	`17(24th)
106	Raphael Lavoie	Edm	RW	20	6-4/195	`19(38th)
107	Jan Mysak	Mtl	C	18	5-11/180	`20(49th)
108	Cayden Primeau	Mtl	G	21	6-3/180	`17(199th)
109	Pavel Dorofeyev	VGK	LW	20	6-1/170	`19(79th)
110	Morgan Barron	NYR	C	22	6-2/200	`17(174th)
111	Ville Heinola	Wpg	D	19	5-11/180	`19(20th)
112	Dylan Holloway	Edm	C	19	6-0/205	`20(14th)
113	Jack Dugan	VGK	RW	22	6-2/185	`17(142nd)
114	Alexander Khovanov	Min	C	20	5-11/195	`18(86th)
115	Jacob Perreault	Ana	RW	18	5-11/195	`20(27th)
116	Jake Evans	Mtl	C	24	6-0/185	`14(207th)
117	Adam Beckman	Min	LW	19	6-1/170	`19(75th)
118	Jett Woo	Van	D	20	6-0/205	`18(37th)
119	Nolan Foote	NJ	LW	20	6-3/190	T(TB-2/20)
120	Logan Brown	Ott	C	22	6-6/220	`16(11th)
121	Martin Kaut	Col	RW	21	6-1/175	`18(16th)
122	Jack Rathbone	Van	D	21	5-10/175	`17(95th)
123	Ozzy Wiesblatt	SJ	RW	18	5-10/185	`20(31st)
124	Ryan O'Rourke	Min	D	18	6-0/180	`20(39th)
125	Lukas Reichel	Chi	LW	18	6-0/170	`20(17th)
126	Jordan Harris	Mtl	D	20	5-11/180	`18(71st)
127	Lukas Dostal	Ana	G	20	6-1/170	`18(85th)
128	Egor Afanasyev	Nsh	RW	19	6-3/205	`19(45th)
129	Conor Timmins	Col	D	22	6-1/185	`17(32nd)
130	Lassi Thomson	Ott	D	20	6-0/190	`19(19th)
131	Eeli Tolvanen	Nsh	RW	21	5-10/175	`17(30th)
132	Kasper Simontaival	LA	RW	18	5-9/180	`20(66th)
133	Roni Hirvonen	Tor	C	18	5-9/165	`20(59th)
134	Thomas Bordeleau	SJ	C	18	5-9/180	`20(38th)
135	Benoit-Olivier Groulx	Ana	C	20	6-1/195	`18(54th)
136	Tyler Kleven	Ott	D	18	6-4/200	`20(44th)
137	Tyson Foerster	Phi	C	18	6-1/195	`20(23rd)
138	Helge Grans	LA	D	18	6-2/205	`20(35th)
139	Jonathan Dahlen	SJ	LW	23	5-11/185	T(Van-2/19)
140	Marat Khusnutdinov	Min	C	18	5-11/175	`20(37th)
141	Alexander Alexeyev	Wsh	D	21	6-3/200	`18(31st)
142	Pierre-Olivier Joseph	Pit	D	21	6-2/170	`17(23rd)
143	Topi Niemela	Tor	D	18	5-10/160	`20(64th)
144	Oskari Laaksonen	Buf	D	21	6-2/165	`17(89th)
145	Filip Hallander	Tor	LW	20	6-1/185	T(Pit-8/20)
146	Serron Noel	Fla	RW	20	6-5/205	`18(34th)
147	Martin Chromiak	LA	LW	18	6-0/185	`20(128th)
148	Shakir Mukhamadullin	NJ	D	18	6-3/180	`20(20th)
149	Mattias Samuelsson	Buf	D	20	6-3/215	`18(32nd)
150	Janne Kuokkanen	NJ	LW	22	6-1/190	T(Car-2/20)
151	Ryan Johnson	Buf	D	19	6-0/175	`19(31st)
152	Sean Farrell	Mtl	C	19	5-8/175	`20(124th)
153	Martin Fehervary	Wsh	D	21	6-1/190	`18(46th)
154	Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen	Buf	G	21	6-4/195	`17(54th)
155	Will Lockwood	Van	RW	22	5-11/175	`16(64th)
156	Isac Lundestrom	Ana	C	21	6-0/185	`18(23rd)
157	Michael DiPietro	Van	G	21	6-0/195	`17(64th)
158	Jonatan Berggren	Det	RW	20	5-10/185	`18(33rd)
159	Kevin Bahl	NJ	D	20	6-6/230	T(Ari-12/19)
160	Aliaksei Protas	Wsh	C	19	6-5/205	`19(91st)
161	Reilly Walsh	NJ	D	21	5-11/180	`17(81st)
162	Nick Abruzzese	Tor	C	21	5-9/160	`19(124th)
163	Tyler Tucker	StL	D	20	6-1/205	`18(200th)
164	Arseni Gritsyuk	NJ	RW	19	5-10/170	`19(129th)
165	Klim Kostin	StL	C	21	6-3/195	`17(31st)
166	Brayden Tracey	Ana	LW	19	6-0/175	`19(29th)
167	Joel Hofer	StL	G	20	6-3/160	`18(107th)
168	Joey Anderson	Tor	RW	22	6-0/195	T(NJ-10/20)
169	Yegor Spiridonov	SJ	C	19	6-2/195	`19(108th)
170	Sam Colangelo	Ana	RW	19	6-1/205	`20(36th)
171	Joey Keane	Car	D	21	6-0/185	T(NYR-2/20)
172	Jared McIsaac	Det	D	20	6-1/195	`18(36th)
173	Jamieson Rees	Car	C	19	5-10/175	`19(44th)
174	Ivan Morozov	VGK	C	20	6-1/180	`18(61st)
175	Rem Pitlick	Nsh	C	23	5-11/200	`16(76th)
176	Tyce Thompson	NJ	RW	21	6-0/170	`19(96th)
177	Michael McLeod	NJ	C	22	6-2/195	`16(12th)
178	Jaret Anderson-Dolan	LA	C	21	5-11/190	`17(41st)
179	Dustin Wolf	Cgy	G	19	6-0/165	`19(214th)
180	Antti Tuomisto	Det	D	19	6-4/190	`19(35th)
181	Brett Berard	NYR	LW	18	5-9/155	`20(134th)
182	Luke Evangelista	Nsh	RW	18	5-11/170	`20(42nd)
183	Joel Blomqvist	Pit	G	18	6-1/180	`20(52nd)
184	Joni Ikonen	Mtl	C	21	5-10/170	`17(58th)
185	Olivier Rodrigue	Edm	G	20	6-1/165	`18(62nd)
186	Lucas Elvenes	VGK	RW	21	6-0/175	`17(127th)
187	Anthony Angello	Pit	RW	24	6-5/205	`14(145th)
188	Tuukka Tieksola	Car	RW	19	5-10/160	`19(121st)
189	Declan Chisholm	Wpg	D	20	6-1/190	`18(150th)
190	Cole Koepke	TB	LW	22	6-1/195	`18(183rd)
191	Valtteri Puustinen	Pit	RW	21	5-9/185	`19(203rd)
192	Ty Smilanic	Fla	C	18	6-1/175	`20(74th)
193	Patrik Puistola	Car	LW	19	6-0/175	`19(73rd)
194	Justin Barron	Col	D	19	6-2/190	`20(25th)
195	Andrew Peeke	CBJ	D	22	6-3/210	`16(34th)
196	Michael Vukojevic	NJ	D	19	6-3/210	`19(82nd)
197	Alec Regula	Chi	D	20	6-3/200	T(Det-10/19)
198	Connor Corcoran	VGK	D	20	6-1/185	`18(154th)
199	Jeremy Swayman	Bos	G	22	6-1/190	`17(111th)
200	Pyotr Kochetkov	Car	G	21	6-1/175	`19(36th)
201	Mikey Anderson	LA	D	21	6-0/195	`17(103rd)
202	Carter Savoie	Edm	LW	18	5-9/190	`20(100th)
203	Samuel Walker	TB	C	21	5-11/160	`17(200th)
204	William Wallinder	Det	D	18	6-4/190	`20(32nd)
205	Jack Drury	Car	C	20	5-11/180	`18(42nd)
206	Emil Andrae	Phi	D	18	5-9/185	`20(54th)
207	Cal Petersen	LA	G	26	6-3/190	FA(7/17)
208	Jeremie Poirier	Cgy	D	18	6-0/200	`20(72nd)
209	Tarmo Reunanen	NYR	D	22	6-0/180	`16(98th)
210	Simon Holmstrom	NYI	RW	19	6-1/185	`19(23rd)
211	Aleksi Saarela	Fla	RW	23	5-11/200	T(Chi-10/19)
212	Anton Johannesson	Wpg	D	18	5-9/155	`20(133rd)
213	Lauri Pajuniemi	NYR	RW	21	6-0/185	`18(132nd)
214	Morgan Geekie	Car	C	22	6-2/180	`17(67th)
215	Shane Bowers	Col	C	21	6-2/190	T(Ott-11/17)
216	Sasha Chmelevski	SJ	C	21	5-11/190	`17(185th)
217	Ruslan Iskhakov	NYI	C	20	5-8/155	`18(43rd)
218	Cole Schwindt	Fla	RW	19	6-2/185	`19(81st)
219	Hugo Alnefelt	TB	G	19	6-3/195	`19(71st)
220	Nikita Okhotyuk	NJ	D	20	6-1/195	`19(61st)
221	Sampo Ranta	Col	LW	20	6-2/205	`18(78th)
222	Alexander Volkov	TB	LW	23	6-1/190	`17(48th)
223	Alexander True	SJ	C	23	6-5/205	FA(7/18)
224	John Leonard	SJ	C	22	5-11/190	`18(182nd)
225	Carl Grundstrom	LA	LW	23	6-0/195	T(Tor-1/19)
226	Dmitri Semykin	TB	D	20	6-3/200	`18(90th)
227	Cal Foote	TB	D	22	6-4/215	`17(14th)
228	Jean-Luc Foudy	Col	C	18	5-11/175	`20(75th)
229	Alex Barre-Boulet	TB	C	23	5-10/165	FA(3/18)
230	Tristen Robins	SJ	RW	19	5-10/175	`20(56th)
231	Max Gildon	Fla	D	21	6-3/190	`17(66th)
232	Nikita Alexandrov	StL	C	20	6-0/180	`19(62nd)
233	Michael Benning	Fla	D	18	5-9/180	`20(95th)
234	Justin Sourdif	Fla	RW	18	5-11/175	`20(87th)
235	Tanner Laczynski	Phi	C	23	6-1/200	`16(169th)
236	Eamon Powell	TB	D	18	5-11/165	`20(116th)
237	Kaedan Korczak	VGK	D	19	6-3/190	`19(41st)
238	Drew Commesso	Chi	G	18	6-1/180	`20(47th)
239	Nikolai Kovalenko	Col	RW	21	5-10/175	`18(171st)
240	Pius Suter	Chi	C	24	5-11/170	FA(7/20)
241	Wade Allison	Phi	RW	23	6-2/205	`16(52nd)
242	Bobby Brink	Phi	RW	19	5-10/165	`19(34th)
243	Lukas Cormier	VGK	D	18	5-10/180	`20(68th)
244	David Farrance	Nsh	D	21	5-11/190	`17(92nd)
245	Roby Jarventie	Ott	RW	18	6-2/185	`20(33rd)
246	Dmitri Voronkov	CBJ	LW	20	6-4/190	`19(114th)
247	German Rubtsov	Phi	C	22	6-2/190	`16(22nd)
248	Vitaly Abramov	Ott	RW	22	5-9/175	T(CBJ-2/19)
249	Alex Laferriere	LA	RW	19	6-0/175	`20(83rd)
250	Trey Fix-Wolansky	CBJ	RW	21	5-8/185	`18(204th)
251	Isaac Ratcliffe	Phi	LW	21	6-5/200	`17(35th)
252	Kale Clague	LA	D	22	6-0/180	`16(51st)
253	Landon Slaggert	Chi	LW	18	5-11/180	`20(79th)
254	Wyatt Kalynuk	Chi	D	23	6-1/180	FA(7/20)
255	Mikko Kokkonen	Tor	D	19	5-11/200	`19(84th)
256	Kevin Mandolese	Ott	G	20	6-4/180	`18(157th)
257	Daniil Tarasov	CBJ	G	21	6-5/185	`17(86th)
258	Evan Barratt	Chi	C	21	6-0/190	`17(90th)
259	Tyler Benson	Edm	LW	22	6-0/200	`16(32nd)
260	Yegor Korshkov	Tor	RW	24	6-4/215	`16(31st)
261	Hunter Skinner	NYR	D	19	6-2/175	`19(112th)
262	Riley Damiani	Dal	C	20	5-9/165	`18(137th)
263	Ryan McLeod	Edm	C	21	6-2/205	`18(40th)
264	Ilya Konovalov	Edm	G	22	6-0/195	`19(85th)
265	Will Cuylle	NYR	LW	18	6-3/205	`20(60th)
266	Evan Vierling	NYR	C	18	6-0/165	`20(127th)
267	Emil Heineman	Fla	LW	19	6-0/180	`20(43rd)
268	Zayde Wisdom	Phi	RW	18	5-10/195	`20(94th)
269	Hunter Jones	Min	G	20	6-4/195	`19(59th)
270	Ty Tullio	Edm	RW	18	5-10/165	`20(126th)
271	Jordan Spence	LA	D	19	5-10/165	`19(95th)
272	Dmitri Zavgorodny	Cgy	LW	20	5-9/175	`18(198th)
273	Alex Beaucage	Col	RW	19	6-1/195	`19(78th)
274	Matiss Kivlenieks	CBJ	G	24	6-2/190	FA(5/17)
275	Artyom Zub	Ott	D	25	6-2/200	FA(5/20)
276	Urho Vaakanainen	Bos	D	22	6-0/185	`17(18th)
277	Dmitri Samorukov	Edm	D	21	6-2/180	`17(84th)
278	Michal Teply	Chi	LW	19	6-3/185	`19(105th)
279	Colby Ambrosio	Col	C	18	5-8/170	`20(118th)
280	Mads Sogaard	Ott	G	20	6-7/195	`19(37th)
281	Jeremy Lauzon	Bos	D	23	6-3/205	`15(52nd)
282	Dennis Gilbert	Col	D	24	6-2/200	T(Chi-10/20)
283	Trent Frederic	Bos	C	22	6-4/215	`16(29th)
284	Lucas Carlsson	Chi	D	23	6-0/190	`16(110th)
285	Zack Macewen	Van	RW	24	6-3/205	FA(3/17)
286	Brandon Hagel	Chi	LW	22	6-1/175	FA(10/18)
287	Vasily Ponomarev	Car	C	18	5-10/180	`20(53rd)
288	Jakub Zboril	Bos	D	23	6-1/200	`15(13th)
289	Garrett Pilon	Wsh	RW	22	5-11/190	`16(87th)
290	Jeremy Bracco	Car	RW	23	5-9/180	FA(10/20)
291	Dylan Sikura	VGK	RW	25	6-0/170	T(Chi-9/20)
292	Kyle Capobianco	Ari	D	23	6-1/180	`15(63rd)
293	Sami Niku	Wpg	D	24	6-0/175	`15(198th)
294	John Farinacci	Ari	C	19	5-11/185	`19(76th)
295	Jackson Lacombe	Ana	D	19	6-1/170	`19(39th)
296	David Cotton	Car	LW	23	6-3/205	`15(169th)
297	Erik Portillo	Buf	G	20	6-6/210	`19(67th)
298	Jacob Truscott	Van	D	18	6-1/170	`20(144th)
299	Mikhail Berdin	Wpg	G	22	6-2/165	`16(157th)
300	Cam Hillis	Mtl	C	20	5-10/170	`18(66th)

McKeen’s 2020-21 Hockey Yearbook: Edmonton Oilers Top 20 Prospects

Sun, 29 Nov 2020 20:42:19 +0000

McKeen's Top 20 Detroit Red Wings prospects for the 2020-21 season. You can read an organizational assessment prior to the draft in Ryan Wagman's article found here. Following the draft we provided a review on each teams performance based on our rankings found here.

Philip Broberg, D (8^th overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 1)

Broberg is a lanky defenseman with an impressive skillset. He has elite speed both with and without the puck. He defends his blueline well and is tough to beat when he uses his reach. Despite lacking in point production in the SHL, his possession metrics shone, and Skelleftea was a better team when he was on the ice. He is effective at getting the puck up the ice and is hard to catch. He will need to develop his offensive game to be more effective. He needs to control the pace more and to be more composed with the puck at slower paces. He is at his best at zone exits and entries. He needs to use his strengths when the game has slowed down as well as he does on the rush. He could explode with some adjustments to his game. He was the sixth defender on the team last season and will likely get a bigger role in 2020-21. He still is one to three years from competing for an NHL spot, but Edmonton should not rush Broberg. If he can get the time to figure out his game and mature physically, he has top pair potential. - JH

Evan Bouchard, D (10^th overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 2)

As a rookie pro, Bouchard led AHL Bakersfield with 29 assists on a team that struggled to generate offense. He can generate offense on any given shift, using his slick hands and refined hockey IQ to facilitate the puck and create high-danger chances out of nowhere. He skates decently despite a bulky frame, a much-improved trait once thought of as a weakness, and his shot is speedy, capable of creating rebounds, and is one used with frequency. As polished as he is offensively, he can handle challenging defensive minutes with his physical and intelligent play in his own zone; never shying away from a chance to pin someone against the boards and using his long reach to disrupt play from below the goal line. It would be nice to see someone as skilled as him playing with more pace and energy, and that might come when he reaches the faster-paced levels of the NHL, which could come next season; if it was not for the impressive young blueliners already holding down the fort in Edmonton such as Ethan Bear and Caleb Jones, Bouchard would already be a NHL anchor. - TD

Raphael Lavoie, RW/C (38^th overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 3)

A talented forward with size, Lavoie proved it last season with a solid first half contribution with Halifax, and then a strong showing with a contending Chicoutimi team before last season was cancelled. He is tall and needs to fill out, but his game will only improve with more weight. He is more of a finesse forward than a power forward, but he can protect the puck very well and loves to play in traffic. Lavoie has an excellent shot and creates plenty of opportunity to use it. His stickhandling worked well at the junior level, but will need refinement, as does his skating. Adding more bulk will give him more balance, but physicality is not in his nature. The potential is there for him to become a power forward in the future, but it would involve a Blake Wheeler-like transition in his game. He could benefit from playing with more snarl and passion. It would open more space for him when his hands or legs cannot. Beyond that, Lavoie is a strong option for a scoring winger with size at the top level and is ready for his professional career to begin. – MS

Dylan Holloway, LW (14^th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

Holloway proved himself to be a strong NCAA regular as a true freshman, even if expectations were too high. The delta between Holloway’s best case and worst-case outcomes is pretty slim. He will be a solid NHL’er, or a good one. He does a lot of things well. He is a strong skater who moves like a freight train when he gets going, with a thick, strong frame that he likes to throw around. He likes to lay into opponents near the boards and invites opponents to try the same on him. He can also slow things down once possession is established in the offensive zone and find room to make himself an passing option. For the most part, he plays aggressively. His size and strength also work in his favor when it comes to maintaining possession of the puck. Holloway keeps his feet moving at all times. He is a good stickhandler, but when he plays with the puck at top speed, he has a tendency to make poor decisions. He needs to improve his shot release, as he often double- or triple-clutches before releasing the shot. – RW

Olivier Rodrigue, G (62^nd overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 4)

Rodrigue is a patient goalie who plays the refined style of many of the Quebec goaltenders before him. His temperament is evident not only in his own play but how calmly teams play in front of him; he commands respect at the junior level and his record speaks for itself. His quickness was among the best in junior hockey last season. Chief among concerns for Rodrigue are the fact that he has always played on a contending team as a junior. This sounds like a strength, and it is, but it is much easier to be unflappable and confident on a great team than a bad one. As well, he is slight-of-build, weighing in last season at only 165 pounds. While playing at a smaller weight never bothered a goalie like Ryan Miller, it comes with concerns in terms of handling the wear and tear of a long season, and Rodrigue has sustained injuries during playoff runs in his junior career. His ceiling is as a strong NHL starter. – MS

Carter Savoie, LW (100^th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

Savoie led the AJHL in goals last year with 53 in 54 games and possesses a high upside as a top six forward because of his skill and awareness. He impresses as a goal scorer with versatility to the ways he puts the puck in the net. He creates his own scoring chances by driving down the wing and using his lateral quickness and edgework to navigate traffic, creating shooting lanes. His shot is powerful and can beat goaltenders clean, even without a screen. Savoie is also a tenacious player who will drive the net and look for tip ins or rebounds near the crease. When he is challenged physically, he responds with a blend of hard hitting forechecks, after the whistle scrums, and a general chippiness. He is also a gifted puck handler. He is also an intelligent player without the puck. However, he is inconsistent, and has a tendency to disappear for stretches. Considering his lack of size, there is also concern that his skating is not explosive enough. Patience will be required as he moves on to the NCAA, but his potential is very high. – BO

Tyler Benson, LW (32^nd overall, 2016. Previous ranking: 5)

Despite an overall fall in his numbers last season, Benson was the same intelligent playmaking winger/center hybrid as he long has been, and furthermore, he seems to have his injury issues behind him. His package of deft hands, smart decision-making, and crisp, accurate passing allow him to set up linemates from anywhere on the ice, and he is particularly adept at drawing defenders away from linemates to free them up for a dangerous feed. While the former Vancouver Giants star does not possess the blazing foot speed of some of his teammates and counterparts, it has not hampered his ability to change the flow of his game. What helps Benson’s chances of becoming a long-term option in the NHL ranks is that versatility and well-roundedness, and though he won’t ever put the puck in the net at a high rate, he can play a multitude of roles and create chances for teammates in high-danger areas almost at will. Expect him to be a middle-six option in the Oilers lineup in the near future and for years to come. – TD

Ryan McLeod, C (40^th overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 6)

A second-round pick in the 2018 draft, McLeod fell down draft boards into the laps of Oilers management and looks to provide them some hidden value down the line. A lanky 6-3” center with a high-end defensive game and an offensive ceiling still to be determined, the OHL alum fared well in his rookie pro season as a 20-year-old playing in a variety of challenging roles. He split time between center and wing, exhibited high-grade defensive tools, and showed off some passing touch on the power play, playing up and down the lineup with a revolving door of linemates. A plus skater, McLeod likes to drive through defenders or use his long reach to pass around them in tight spaces, though he lacks urgency on offense. Smart and anticipatory on defense, he intercepts passes, makes easy changes on defensive assignments, and directs traffic up top in the defensive zone like a seasoned pro. He will have to develop into a more dangerous offensive option to be a surefire NHL weapon, but after just one pro year, he looks like -- worst case scenario -- a shutdown defensive center. – TD

Ilya Konovalov, G (85^th overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 9)

As opposed to the 2018-19 season, the 19-20 campaign was slightly disappointing for Konovalov. The Oilers draftee played a significant number of games for Lokomotiv – 40 in the regular season and five in the playoffs – but failed to make the same impression that he did last year. On the international stage, he was solid with the Russian B squad, but that was in a limited amount of games and not against the strongest opposition. In the playoffs, he had also looked better last year. Sophomore slump? Maybe, but next year he will have a veteran, import goalie to compete with for the starter position (Ed Pasquale) and it is yet to be seen whether he will be able to return to his old self. With that being said, Konovalov is still an interesting prospect, with excellent agility, fast movements, and a strong competitive drive. He needs to work on his consistency and overall technique to take a further step forward. Next year will be crucial to check if the Oilers had a good idea in spending a relatively high pick on him in 2019. – ASR

Tyler Tullio, RW (126^th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

Without great size, quickness, or dynamic puck skills, Tullio is an effective player in the offensive zone because of his awareness and intelligence level. While he is not often responsible for zone entries, he is extremely effective as a forechecker and in puck retrieval. Despite his size, he is terrific working the wall, using quick hands and feet to be elusive. His vision is terrific, anticipating breakdowns in coverage and routinely feeding his linemates around the slot for scoring chances. Tullio is also a great finisher, possessing a lightning quick release and the instincts to find openings and space near the crease. There is some concern about his ability to play with pace, especially when you consider his lack of size. His time will eventually come to showcase his offensive potential when he is dominating touches and leading his line. Tullio projects as a complementary skilled player who brings versatility, but who could actually have more game breaking ability than he has yet had a chance to show with any regularity. – BO

Dmitri Samorukov, D (84^th overall, 2017. Previous ranking: 10)

According to expectations around the hockey world, Samorukov had an underwhelming first pro year. The big Russian was projected to be a two-way force and capable of controlling the pace of games, as he was in his final OHL season leading Guelph to a league title, but instead struggled to play with the assertiveness that makes him such an intriguing pupil. While raw and (reasonably) inconsistent, Samorukov’s package screams NHL potential. After signing a one-year deal with CSKA Moscow of the KHL, he’ll spend the 2020-21 season playing in a top-tier pro league and hopefully work out his flaws overseas. At 6-3” and fairly strong, Samorukov wrestles pucks away at entry and can end plays before they happen against the boards and below the goal line. He is a very strong skater relative to his size, capable of carrying the puck out of the zone solo. He remains highly regarded in the organization and could shoot right back into the NHL conversation if his KHL stint goes well, but he must play with confidence to succeed. - TD

Cooper Marody, RW (158^th overall, 2015 [Philadelphia]. Previous ranking: 7)

Marody is perhaps the most polarizing prospect in the Oilers organization. Full of skill and offensive creativity, the University of Michigan product is a dangerous cycle player with a muscular build and instinctual passing. However, he is a step slow and probably fits more in the NHL as a winger, a position made deeper and faster by new Oilers general manager Ken Holland, who acquired Tyler Ennis and Andreas Anthanasiou before the pause of the NHL season. A tough 2019-20 season slowed Marody’s development; he got sick in November and lost 10 pounds and was barely back into the thick of things before an upper-body injury ended his campaign in January. What the 23-year-old does well, he does exceptionally, notably his possession play and physical toughness in all three zones. While he is not a fast skater, he can hold his own and likes to carry the puck in transition with his quick and deceptive hands in spite of his lack of speed. He might be on his way to an NHL job if his health complies next season, and he is best suited as a winger on one of Edmonton’s two scoring lines if he can earn that job. - TD

Aapeli Rasanen, C (153^rd overall, 2016. Previous ranking: 8)

The Finnish forward was drafted in the sixth round in 2016. He had previously played in Finland before jumping across the ocean to play in the USHL, where he went to further his career after being drafted. He had already represented Finland in international competition at the WU18s by that point. After one season with the Sioux City Musketeers, he joined Boston College. Rasanen recently finished his third season with the Eagles and signed with KalPa in Liiga. Rasanen led BC in face-offs with a 56.3% success rate. He also represented Finland in the World Junior championship twice during his collegiate career, recording the best face-off percentage in both tournaments. At 22 years of age, Rasanen plays a mature game. He is a solid forward who just recorded a career high in points. He has incredibly soft hands, especially while passing. While he can set teammates up, he can also score. Rasanen projects to be a top-nine forward once he returns to North America. - JS

Kirill Maksimov, RW (146^th overall, 2017. Previous ranking: 11)

After a 40-goal season in the OHL and graduating to the pros, Maksimov brought with him some expectations as a potential future triggerman in the top-six of the Oilers forward depth chart. While the 21-year-old still has time to find his touch in that aspect, his rookie pro season (five goals in 53 games) doesn’t put him on the right track. However, the bruising, 6-3” Russian winger has a head start over his exclusively-offensive contemporaries: his penalty kill work and defensive game are impressive and deserving of recognition. He was used in a lot of defensive-zone draw and late-lead situations as someone who can hold shooters out of dangerous areas and change the pace of the opposition’s attack with stick checks and wonderful positioning. His speed is a concern, as is his inability to create shots for himself to let off his lethal wrister as he can make mistakes on offense, but his NHL future, unlike others in the system, is not solely predicated on offensive production. - TD

William Lagesson, D (91^st overall, 2014. Previous ranking: 12)

In the same boat as Bouchard, Lagesson would already be a solid contributor to an NHL defensive core if not for other young defensemen in the pipeline who can bring something similar to the table. That isn’t a knock on the Swede, more so a credit to how well the Oilers have fielded a young defensive lineup of late. Lagesson is an NHL-ready 24-year-old who has played the same scrappy, solid defensive hockey everywhere he has gone, and has proven he can do just that in the NHL after an eight-game trial in 2019-20. The best compliment you can give to a stay-at-home defenseman is that they are hard to notice, and he deserves that honor. He is smooth in his one-on-one defense, with tight gaps, an active stick, and the size to disrupt a forward’s stride. He is physical and competitive but not prone to taking excessive penalties, which boosts his value as a one-way guy. His ceiling is depth defensive role player, and he is more than ready to take it on. - TD

Philip Kemp, D (208^th overall, 2017. Previous ranking: 13)

Kemp jumped from two years at prep school to two seasons with the USNTDP, representing the U.S. in international play during that time. From the program, he entered Yale and totaled only eight points in both his first and second seasons, in the latter of which he was invited to the World Junior Championship. Kemp isn’t an offensive defenseman, but he can still occasionally contribute offensively. His selling point as a defender his is skating, which allows him to backcheck well - pivotal for any defender who wants to play pro hockey. He has a big frame at 6-3” and a long reach that he uses well. He also uses his speed to jump up in the rush. A seventh-round draft pick, he is performing above his draft value, but there is room for Kent - who just finished his junior season and will captain Yale - to improve. - JS

Markus Niemelainen, D (63^rd overall, 2016. Previous ranking: 14)

Niemelainen had a good season with Assat in Finland's top league. He logged the second-most ice-time on the team and improved his overall game. He started to play more physically and his play with the puck also got better. A reliable and assertive defenseman with long reach, he primarily takes care of his own end. He is mobile with good acceleration and can reach a good top speed. The biggest knock against him continues to be a lack of offense. His play with the puck is no longer as cautious as it used to be, but he has never been a big point producer and that is unlikely to change. That said, the recent improvement in his game is a reason for some optimism. Niemelainen has a chance to carve out a career in the NHL as a depth defenseman. However, when he goes across the pond, he will very likely need a significant amount of development time first in the AHL. - MB

Maxim Denezhkin, C (193^rd overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 15)

The small-framed center had a strong season in the MHL with Loko Yaroslavl, but once again he had limited time in pro hockey, playing only one contest in the KHL and two in the VHL. It is clear that he has a rich arsenal of moves and creativity to generate attacks, but he needs to bulk up. Moreover, small players need to be flashy to be effective, and while he isn’t a slow skater, his agility and his style still leave some question marks on his game – especially so at the pro level. With that being said, Denezhkin is a hard-working, competitive forward who gives good effort at both ends of the ice and can be useful in any situation, even in penalty killing. He has good hockey sense and a strong passing game; therefore, he can still develop into a good player with the right coaching and some seasoning at home. With this type of player, patience is a must. – ASR

Maxim Berezkin, LW (138^th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

A goal scoring power winger with great size (6-4” and over 200lbs) who has been utilized in all situations in the MHL. He owns a good shot and is a half wall threat on the powerplay. A late-2001 born, Berezkin is a project and his skating needs plenty of work before he can be deemed ready to play in the faster paced rinks of North America. His feet are currently heavy, and it prevents him from consistently playing with pace. If he is to make up for his lack of pace, it will have to come from what he can do once the puck is already settled in the offensive zone. His strong shot has already been mentioned, but his ability to control and maneuver the puck is just as impressive. He also reads situations maturely and can be relied upon to make the correct decisions. Even if he maximizes those other traits, his below average skating will likely limit him to a bottom-line role, where his coaches will hope that he can put his giant frame to good use. – Brock Otten

Patrik Siikanen, LW (195^th overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 16)

A bit of a sleeper to end this list, Siikanen has steadily risen up the ranks in Finland, playing a regular role in Liiga before his 20^th birthday, despite never playing in a major tournament for Finland. Of only he could produce, though, as he has only two assists through his first 33 Liiga games. In all honesty, he was never a big scorer in the Finnish junior ranks either, but he still has some elements to recommend him for a possible NHL future. Despite his lack of numbers, he has a pretty good shot and should be expected to start finding the net as he gains experience and the confidence that should tag along. Second, he has good size – not like Berezkin, but lanky and strong. He uses his size well and knows how to make himself tough to line up against. As should be pretty obvious from this write-up, Siikanen does not project as any more than a fourth line grinder who can bring energy. - RW

MCKEENS 2020 NHL PROSPECTS REPORT – TOP 250 PROSPECTS

McKeens Hockey; Article by Ryan Wagman — Tue, 22 Sep 2020 11:50:55 +0000

I write these words less than 24 hours after the Dallas Stars took game one of the Stanley Cup Finals against the heavily favored Tampa Bay Lightning. Unlike most seasons wherein the end of the Stanley Cup marks the beginning of off-season player movement, this year teams have taken an early start to the transactional Ferris wheel as many expect the upcoming offseason (from the awarding of the Cup, through to the draft in the first week of October to the start of the 2020-21 season perhaps as soon as early December, pending COVID trends in North America) to be especially turbulent.

We have seen a few trades of NHL pieces, one deal which impacted this guidebook, as Toronto sent Kasperi Kapanen to Pittsburgh and Swedish winger Filip Hallander was among those coming back to Toronto. Hallander was our selection for the second-best prospect in the Penguins system and now holds that title for the Maple Leafs. That trade knocked the Penguins down a few slots on our organizational rankings and allowed Toronto to go the other way accordingly.

Of course, with the draft roughly 17 days away, and with it a complete re-shuffling of the organizational rankings, this is just a snapshot in time of how every team’s system shakes up. We will re-run this list, incorporating the drafted players, in our pre-season fantasy guide, where we will expand the lists up to 20.

What you are about to dive into is a comprehensive list of all prospect eligible players on all 31 teams. To hold prospect eligibility, a player needs to 25 or younger, as of September 15, 2020. All skaters need to have played less than 60 career games, with no more than 35 of those games coming in a single season (or 25 for this past shortened season). For goalies, the age criteria remain the same, but the games played benchmark drops to 30 career games and 20 in a given season (or 15 last year). Any cutoff that does not hew exactly to the Calder Trophy award criteria is, by nature, arbitrary, but we aim to be inclusive for all players who have not yet cemented NHL jobs and/or have not had a prolonged chance to prove himself capable – or incapable.

We rank 15 per team, as depth is as important as the high end. Our goal is to identify players who could – if they have an advocate for them within the team’s braintrust – play a role in the NHL. These players were identified through our thorough vetting of each prospect across the globe, assigning scores, or grades, to five areas for skaters (skating, shot, puck skills, smarts, physicality) and six for netminders (athleticism/speed/quickness, compete/temperament, vision/play reading, positioning/technique, rebound control, and puck handling). Depending on the position, the grades are run through an algorithm to come up with an overall future projection (OFP).

The OFP, if the scout is being honest, measures the future role we anticipate the prospect being able to hold. A 50 score is the lower threshold to be a regular 4^th line forward, or bottom pairing defender. Grades over 56 are potential top line/pairing skaters. The grades in between, obviously project to the middle of the lineup.

As we are reminded every year, development is not linear. Some players take unexpected sudden leaps forward (see Marino, John), and others stagnate (see Ho-Sang, Josh), and many do exactly what we expect of them when they are given the chance. As much as I trust the analysts in our team, I can also tell you that this exercise is always humbling. There will be at least one player who we rate highly who bombs. There will be at least one player who did not feature on his team’s top 15 who becomes an NHL regular next year. We accept those errors in judgment and promise you, our faithful subscriber, that we will learn from them and refine our work for next year, as we learn just as NHL teams learn.

Until then, please enjoy this snapshot view of the future of the beautiful, frozen game. Putting this together has provided at least some sense of normalcy during this crazy summer.

NHL	RNK	PLAYER	POS	AGE	HT/WT	TM	Acquired
Ana	1	Trevor Zegras	C	19	6-0/170	Boston University (HE)	`19(9th)
Min	2	Kirill Kaprizov	LW	23	5-10/200	CSKA (KHL)	`15(135th)
Col	3	Bowen Byram	D	19	6-0/195	Vancouver (WHL)	`19(4th)
Buf	4	Dylan Cozens	C	19	6-3/185	Lethbridge (WHL)	`19(7th)
Fla	5	Spencer Knight	G	19	6-3/195	Boston College (HE)	`19(13th)
VGK	6	Peyton Krebs	C	19	5-11/180	Winnipeg (WHL)	`19(17th)
Ari	7	Victor Soderstrom	D	19	5-11/180	Brynas (Swe)	`19(11th)
Mtl	8	Cole Caufield	RW	19	5-7/165	Wisconsin (B1G)	`19(15th)
Van	9	Vasili Podkolzin	RW	19	6-1/190	SKA St. Petersburg (KHL)	`19(10th)
Edm	10	Philip Broberg	D	19	6-3/200	Skelleftea AIK (Swe)	`19(8th)
Tor	11	Nick Robertson	LW	19	5-9/160	Peterborough (OHL)	`19(53rd)
Col	12	Alex Newhook	C	19	5-10/195	Boston College (HE)	`19(16th)
Det	13	Moritz Seider	D	19	6-3/185	Grand Rapids (AHL)	`19(6th)
Fla	14	Grigori Denisenko	LW	20	5-11/185	Lokomotiv Yaroslavl (KHL)	`18(15th)
Min	15	Matthew Boldy	LW	19	6-1/190	Boston College (HE)	`19(12th)
NJ	16	Ty Smith	D	20	5-10/180	Spokane (WHL)	`18(17th)
LA	17	Alex Turcotte	C	19	5-11/185	Wisconsin (B1G)	`19(5th)
Nsh	18	Philip Tomasino	C	19	5-11/180	Nia-Osh (OHL)	`19(24th)
Pit	19	Samuel Poulin	LW	19	6-1/205	Sherbrooke (QMJHL)	`19(21st)
Wsh	20	Connor McMichael	C	19	5-11/175	London (OHL)	`19(25th)
LA	21	Gabriel Vilardi	RW	21	6-3/200	Ontario (AHL)	`17(11th)
NYR	22	Igor Shesterkin	G	24	6-1/190	Hartford (AHL)	`14(118th)
Dal	23	Thomas Harley	D	19	6-3/190	Mississauga (OHL)	`19(18th)
Ari	24	Barrett Hayton	C	20	6-1/190	Arizona (NHL)	`18(5th)
NYR	25	Nils Lundkvist	D	20	5-11/180	Lulea (Swe)	`18(28th)
LA	26	Arthur Kaliyev	RW	19	6-2/190	Hamilton (OHL)	`19(33rd)
Cgy	27	Juuso Valimaki	D	21	6-2/205	DNP - Injured	`17(16th)
Det	28	Jared McIsaac	D	20	6-1/195	Hal-Mon (QMJHL)	`18(36th)
NYR	29	Vitali Kravtsov	RW	20	6-3/185	Hartford (AHL)	`18(9th)
Edm	30	Evan Bouchard	D	20	6-2/195	Bakersfield (AHL)	`18(10th)
NYR	31	K'Andre Miller	D	20	6-3/205	Wisconsin (B1G)	`18(22nd)
Edm	32	Raphael Lavoie	RW	19	6-4/195	Hal-Chi (QMJHL)	`19(38th)
NYI	33	Ilya Sorokin	G	25	6-2/180	CSKA (KHL)	`14(78th)
Det	34	Albert Johansson	D	19	5-11/165	Farjestads (Swe)	`19(60th)
Ari	35	Matias Maccelli	LW	19	5-11/170	Ilves Tampere (Fin)	`19(98th)
Van	36	Nils Hoglander	RW	19	5-9/185	Rogle (Swe)	`19(40th)
Ari	37	Jan Jenik	RW	20	6-1/180	Hamilton (OHL)	`18(65th)
Phi	38	Cam York	D	19	5-11/175	Michigan (B1G)	`19(14th)
Phi	39	Morgan Frost	C	21	5-11/180	Lehigh Valley (AHL)	`17(27th)
Ana	40	Lukas Dostal	G	20	6-1/170	Ilves Tampere (Fin)	`18(85th)
LA	41	Tobias Bjornfot	D	19	6-0/200	Ontario (AHL)	`19(22nd)
SJ	42	Ryan Merkley	D	20	5-11/170	London (OHL)	`18(21st)
NYI	43	Kieffer Bellows	LW	22	6-0/200	Bridgeport (AHL)	`16(19th)
NYI	44	Oliver Wahlstrom	RW	20	6-1/205	Bridgeport (AHL)	`18(11th)
LA	45	Rasmus Kupari	C	20	6-1/185	Ontario (AHL)	`18(20th)
CBJ	46	Liam Foudy	C	20	6-0/175	London (OHL)	`18(18th)
LA	47	Tyler Madden	C	20	5-10/155	Northeastern (HE)	T(Van-2/20)
Mtl	48	Alexander Romanov	D	20	5-11/185	CSKA (KHL)	`18(38th)
NYI	49	Bode Wilde	D	20	6-2/195	Bridgeport (AHL)	`18(41st)
Ott	50	Jacob Bernard-Docker	D	20	6-0/180	North Dakota (NCHC)	`18(26th)
Cgy	51	Jakob Pelletier	LW	19	5-9/165	Moncton (QMJHL)	`19(26th)
LA	52	Akil Thomas	C	20	5-11/170	Nia-Pbo (OHL)	`18(51st)
Wpg	53	Dylan Samberg	D	21	6-3/190	Minn-Duluth (NCHC)	`17(43rd)
Chi	54	Ian Mitchell	D	21	5-11/175	Denver (NCHC)	`17(57th)
Ott	55	Josh Norris	C	21	6-1/195	Belleville (AHL)	T(SJ-9/18)
NYR	56	Matthew Robertson	D	19	6-3/200	Edmonton (WHL)	`19(49th)
VGK	57	Pavel Dorofeyev	LW	19	6-1/170	Magnitogorsk (KHL)	`19(79th)
Dal	58	Jake Oettinger	G	21	6-4/210	Texas (AHL)	`17(26th)
Ott	59	Drake Batherson	RW	22	6-1/190	Belleville (AHL)	`17(121st)
LA	60	Samuel Fagemo	RW	20	6-0/195	Frolunda (Swe)	`19(50th)
Col	61	Justus Annunen	G	20	6-4/215	Karpat Oulu (Fin)	`18(64th)
Bos	62	John Beecher	C	19	6-3/210	Michigan (B1G)	`19(30th)
Phi	63	Egor Zamula	D	20	6-4/175	Calgary (WHL)	FA(9/18)
NYR	64	Zac Jones	D	19	5-10/175	Massachusetts (HE)	`19(68th)
CBJ	65	Kirill Marchenko	LW	20	6-3/190	SKA St. Petersburg (KHL)	`18(49th)
VGK	66	Jack Dugan	RW	22	6-2/185	Providence (HE)	`17(142nd)
StL	67	Scott Perunovich	D	22	5-10/175	Minn-Duluth (NCHC)	`18(45th)
Bos	68	Jack Studnicka	C	21	6-1/170	Providence (AHL)	`17(53rd)
Dal	69	Ty Dellandrea	C	20	6-0/185	Flint (OHL)	`18(13th)
Min	70	Calen Addison	D	20	5-10/180	Lethbridge (WHL)	T(Pit-2/20)
NYR	71	Julien Gauthier	RW	22	6-4/225	Charlotte (AHL)	T(Car-2/20)
Van	72	Olli Juolevi	D	22	6-3/200	Utica (AHL)	`16(5th)
NJ	73	Nolan Foote	LW	19	6-3/190	Kelowna (WHL)	T(TB-2/20)
NJ	74	Janne Kuokkanen	LW	22	6-1/190	Cha-Bng (AHL)	T(Car-2/20)
Ott	75	Alex Formenton	LW	21	6-2/165	Belleville (AHL)	`17(47th)
Det	76	Robert Mastrosimone	LW	19	5-10/160	Boston University (HE)	`19(54th)
NYR	77	Morgan Barron	C	21	6-2/200	Cornell (ECAC)	`17(174th)
Mtl	78	Jesse Ylonen	RW	20	6-1/185	Pelicans (Fin)	`18(35th)
Car	79	Dominik Bokk	RW	20	6-1/180	Rogle (Swe)	T(StL-9/19)
Nsh	80	Egor Afanasyev	RW	19	6-3/205	Windsor (OHL)	`19(45th)
Ana	81	Benoit-Olivier Groulx	C	20	6-1/195	Hal-Mon (QMJHL)	`18(54th)
Min	82	Alexander Khovanov	C	20	5-11/195	Moncton (QMJHL)	`18(86th)
Det	83	Joe Veleno	C	20	6-1/195	Grand Rapids (AHL)	`18(30th)
NJ	84	Kevin Bahl	D	20	6-6/230	Ottawa (OHL)	T(Ari-12/19)
Car	85	Ryan Suzuki	C	19	6-0/180	Bar-Sag (OHL)	`19(28th)
Van	86	Jett Woo	D	20	6-0/205	Calgary (WHL)	`18(37th)
Mtl	87	Mattias Norlinder	D	20	5-11/180	MODO (Swe 2)	`19(64th)
Min	88	Adam Beckman	LW	19	6-1/170	Spokane (WHL)	`19(75th)
Bos	89	Jeremy Swayman	G	21	6-1/190	Maine (HE)	`17(111th)
Wpg	90	Kristian Vesalainen	LW	21	6-3/205	Manitoba (AHL)	`17(24th)
Tor	91	Filip Hallander	LW	20	6-1/185	Lulea (Swe)	T(Pit-8/20)
Fla	92	Owen Tippett	RW	21	6-1/200	Springfield (AHL)	`17(10th)
Car	93	Jake Bean	D	22	6-1/175	Charlotte (AHL)	`16(13th)
Ott	94	Shane Pinto	C	19	6-2/190	North Dakota (NCHC)	`19(32nd)
Col	95	Martin Kaut	RW	20	6-1/175	Colorado (AHL)	`18(16th)
Van	96	Jack Rathbone	D	21	5-10/175	Harvard (ECAC)	`17(95th)
Tor	97	Nick Abruzzese	C	21	5-9/160	Harvard (ECAC)	`19(124th)
Bos	98	Urho Vaakanainen	D	21	6-0/185	Providence (AHL)	`17(18th)
Wsh	99	Alexander Alexeyev	D	20	6-3/200	Hershey (AHL)	`18(31st)
NYI	100	Simon Holmstrom	RW	19	6-1/185	Bridgeport (AHL)	`19(23rd)
LA	101	Jaret Anderson-Dolan	C	21	5-11/190	Ontario (AHL)	`17(41st)
Car	102	Joey Keane	D	21	6-0/185	Hfd-Cha (AHL)	T(NYR-2/20)
Wsh	103	Martin Fehervary	D	20	6-1/190	Hershey (AHL)	`18(46th)
StL	104	Tyler Tucker	D	20	6-1/205	Bar-Fnt (OHL)	`18(200th)
SJ	105	Yegor Spiridonov	C	19	6-2/195	Stalnye Lisy Magnitogorsk (MHL)	`19(108th)
NJ	106	Joey Anderson	RW	22	6-0/195	Binghamton (AHL)	`16(73rd)
Col	107	Conor Timmins	D	21	6-1/185	Colorado (AHL)	`17(32nd)
StL	108	Klim Kostin	C	21	6-3/195	San Antonio (AHL)	`17(31st)
Mtl	109	Cayden Primeau	G	21	6-3/180	Laval (AHL)	`17(199th)
SJ	110	Jonathan Dahlen	LW	22	5-11/185	Timra IK (Swe 2)	T(Van-2/19)
NJ	111	Reilly Walsh	D	21	5-11/180	Harvard (ECAC)	`17(81st)
Buf	112	Oskari Laaksonen	D	21	6-2/165	Ilves Tampere (Fin)	`17(89th)
NJ	113	Arseni Gritsyuk	RW	19	5-10/170	Omskie Yastreby (MHL)	`19(129th)
Wsh	114	Aliaksei Protas	C	19	6-5/205	Prince Albert (WHL)	`19(91st)
Cgy	115	Dustin Wolf	G	19	6-0/165	Everett (WHL)	`19(214th)
StL	116	Joel Hofer	G	20	6-3/160	Portland (WHL)	`18(107th)
VGK	117	Ivan Morozov	C	20	6-1/180	SKA St. Petersburg (KHL)	`18(61st)
Mtl	118	Jake Evans	C	24	6-0/185	Laval (AHL)	`14(207th)
Nsh	119	Eeli Tolvanen	RW	21	5-10/175	Milwaukee (AHL)	`17(30th)
Wpg	120	Ville Heinola	D	19	5-11/180	Lukko Rauma (Fin)	`19(20th)
VGK	121	Lucas Elvenes	RW	21	6-0/175	Chicago (AHL)	`17(127th)
TB	122	Cole Koepke	LW	22	6-1/195	Minn-Duluth (NCHC)	`18(183rd)
Ana	123	Isac Lundestrom	C	20	6-0/185	San Diego (AHL)	`18(23rd)
NYR	124	Tarmo Reunanen	D	22	6-0/180	Lukko Rauma (Fin)	`16(98th)
Mtl	125	Jordan Harris	D	20	5-11/180	Northeastern (HE)	`18(71st)
Ana	126	Brayden Tracey	LW	19	6-0/175	MJ-Vic (WHL)	`19(29th)
Phi	127	Tanner Laczynski	C	23	6-1/200	Ohio State (B1G)	`16(169th)
Chi	128	Alec Regula	D	20	6-3/200	London (OHL)	T(Det-10/19)
Buf	129	Mattias Samuelsson	D	20	6-3/215	Western Michigan (NCHC)	`18(32nd)
Car	130	Jamieson Rees	C	19	5-10/175	Sarnia (OHL)	`19(44th)
Edm	131	Olivier Rodrigue	G	20	6-1/165	Moncton (QMJHL)	`18(62nd)
Fla	132	Serron Noel	RW	20	6-5/205	Osh-Kit (OHL)	`18(34th)
Det	133	Antti Tuomisto	D	19	6-4/190	Assat Pori (Fin Jr)	`19(35th)
Dal	134	Jason Robertson	LW	21	6-2/195	Texas (AHL)	`17(39th)
Mtl	135	Joni Ikonen	C	21	5-10/170	DNP - Injured	`17(58th)
Nsh	136	Rem Pitlick	C	23	5-11/200	Milwaukee (AHL)	`16(76th)
Ott	137	Logan Brown	C	22	6-6/220	Belleville (AHL)	`16(11th)
TB	138	Samuel Walker	C	21	5-11/160	Minnesota (B1G)	`17(200th)
Phi	139	Wade Allison	RW	22	6-2/205	Western Michigan (NCHC)	`16(52nd)
Wpg	140	Declan Chisholm	D	20	6-1/190	Peterborough (OHL)	`18(150th)
NJ	141	Tyce Thompson	RW	21	6-1/180	Providence (HE)	`19(96th)
VGK	142	Connor Corcoran	D	20	6-1/185	Windsor (OHL)	`18(154th)
Ana	143	Jackson Lacombe	D	19	6-1/170	Minnesota (B1G)	`19(39th)
NYR	144	Lauri Pajuniemi	RW	21	6-0/185	TPS Turku (Fin)	`18(132nd)
Car	145	Tuukka Tieksola	RW	19	5-10/160	Karpat Oulu (Fin Jr)	`19(121st)
CBJ	146	Andrew Peeke	D	22	6-3/210	Cleveland (AHL)	`16(34th)
Ana	147	Axel Andersson	D	20	6-0/180	Moncton (QMJHL)	T(Bos-2/20)
Car	148	Patrik Puistola	LW	19	6-0/175	Tap-Juk-Koo (Fin)	`19(73rd)
NJ	149	Michael McLeod	C	22	6-2/195	Binghamton (AHL)	`16(12th)
Car	150	Pyotr Kochetkov	G	21	6-1/175	SKA-VIT (KHL)	`19(36th)
NJ	151	Michael Vukojevic	D	19	6-3/210	Kitchener (OHL)	`19(82nd)
NYI	152	Ruslan Iskhakov	C	20	5-8/155	UConn (HE)	`18(43rd)
Wpg	153	Sami Niku	D	23	6-0/175	Manitoba (AHL)	`15(198th)
TB	154	Hugo Alnefelt	G	19	6-3/195	HV 71 (Swe)	`19(71st)
NJ	155	Nikita Okhotyuk	D	19	6-1/195	Ottawa (OHL)	`19(61st)
NYR	156	Hunter Skinner	D	19	6-2/175	London (OHL)	`19(112th)
LA	157	Mikey Anderson	D	21	6-0/195	Ontario (AHL)	`17(103rd)
Col	158	Shane Bowers	C	21	6-2/190	Colorado (AHL)	T(Ott-11/17)
NYI	159	Joshua Ho-Sang	RW	24	6-0/175	Bri-SA (AHL)	`14(28th)
LA	160	Cal Petersen	G	25	6-3/190	Ontario (AHL)	FA(7/17)
Col	161	Sampo Ranta	LW	20	6-2/205	Minnesota (B1G)	`18(78th)
Wpg	162	Mikhail Berdin	G	22	6-2/165	Manitoba (AHL)	`16(157th)
Bos	163	Jeremy Lauzon	D	23	6-3/205	Providence (AHL)	`15(52nd)
Nsh	164	David Farrance	D	21	5-11/190	Boston University (HE)	`17(92nd)
Van	165	Will Lockwood	RW	22	5-11/175	Michigan (B1G)	`16(64th)
NYI	166	Sebastian Aho	D	24	5-10/175	Bridgeport (AHL)	`17(139th)
Wpg	167	Logan Stanley	D	22	6-7/225	Manitoba (AHL)	`16(18th)
Buf	168	Ryan Johnson	D	19	6-0/175	Minnesota (B1G)	`19(31st)
Van	169	Michael DiPietro	G	21	6-0/195	Utica (AHL)	`17(64th)
VGK	170	Kaedan Korczak	D	19	6-3/190	Kelowna (WHL)	`19(41st)
Car	171	Jack Drury	C	20	5-11/180	Harvard (ECAC)	`18(42nd)
StL	172	Nikita Alexandrov	C	19	6-0/180	Charlottetown (QMJHL)	`19(62nd)
Col	173	Nikolai Kovalenko	RW	20	5-10/175	Lokomotiv Yaroslavl (KHL)	`18(171st)
Nsh	174	Juuso Parssinen	C	19	6-2/205	TPS Turku (Fin)	`19(210th)
Chi	175	Pius Suter	C	24	5-11/170	ZSC Lions (NLA)	FA(7/20)
Fla	176	Aleksi Saarela	RW	23	5-11/200	Rfd-Spr (AHL)	T(Chi-10/19)
Bos	177	Trent Frederic	C	22	6-4/215	Providence (AHL)	`16(29th)
CBJ	178	Dmitri Voronkov	LW	20	6-4/190	Ak Bars Kazan (KHL)	`19(114th)
Ott	179	Lassi Thomson	D	19	6-0/190	Ilves Tampere (Fin)	`19(19th)
Car	180	Morgan Geekie	C	22	6-2/180	Charlotte (AHL)	`17(67th)
CBJ	181	Trey Fix-Wolansky	RW	21	5-8/185	Cleveland (AHL)	`18(204th)
Ott	182	Vitaly Abramov	RW	22	5-9/175	Belleville (AHL)	T(CBJ-2/19)
TB	183	Alexander Volkov	LW	23	6-1/190	Syracuse (AHL)	`17(48th)
Tor	184	Mikko Kokkonen	D	19	5-11/200	Jukurit (Fin)	`19(84th)
Ott	185	Kevin Mandolese	G	20	6-4/180	Cape Breton (QMJHL)	`18(157th)
CBJ	186	Daniil Tarasov	G	21	6-5/185	Assat Pori (Fin)	`17(86th)
LA	187	Carl Grundstrom	LW	22	6-0/195	Ontario (AHL)	T(Tor-1/19)
LA	188	Kale Clague	D	22	6-0/180	Ontario (AHL)	`16(51st)
Ott	189	Artyom Zub	D	24	6-2/200	SKA St. Petersburg (KHL)	FA(5/20)
Edm	190	Tyler Benson	LW	22	6-0/200	Bakersfield (AHL)	`16(32nd)
Det	191	Jonatan Berggren	RW	20	5-10/185	Skelleftea AIK (Swe)	`18(33rd)
Tor	192	Yegor Korshkov	RW	24	6-4/215	Toronto (AHL)	`16(31st)
Dal	193	Riley Damiani	C	20	5-9/165	Kitchener (OHL)	`18(137th)
VGK	194	Zach Whitecloud	D	23	6-2/210	Chicago (AHL)	FA(3/18)
Buf	195	Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen	G	21	6-4/195	Cincinnati (ECHL)	`17(54th)
Car	196	David Cotton	LW	23	6-3/205	Boston College (HE)	`15(169th)
Chi	197	Wyatt Kalynuk	D	23	6-1/180	Wisconsin (B1G)	FA(7/20)
Min	198	Hunter Jones	G	19	6-4/195	Peterborough (OHL)	`19(59th)
LA	199	Jordan Spence	D	19	5-10/165	Moncton (QMJHL)	`19(95th)
Cgy	200	Dmitri Zavgorodny	LW	20	5-9/175	Rimouski (QMJHL)	`18(198th)
Col	201	Alex Beaucage	RW	19	6-1/195	Rouyn-Noranda (QMJHL)	`19(78th)
TB	202	Dmitri Semykin	D	20	6-3/200	SKA-1946 St. Petersburg (MHL)	`18(90th)
CBJ	203	Matiss Kivlenieks	G	24	6-2/190	Cleveland (AHL)	FA(5/17)
StL	204	Ville Husso	G	25	6-3/205	San Antonio (AHL)	`14(94th)
Phi	205	Bobby Brink	RW	19	5-10/165	Denver (NCHC)	`19(34th)
NYI	206	Otto Koivula	C	22	6-4/220	Bridgeport (AHL)	`16(120th)
Car	207	Eetu Makiniemi	G	21	6-2/180	KOOVEE (Fin 2)	`17(104th)
NYI	208	Anatoli Golyshev	RW	25	5-8/180	Avtomobilist Yekaterinburg (KHL)	`16(95th)
Chi	209	Evan Barratt	C	21	6-0/190	Penn State (B1G)	`17(90th)
Buf	210	Erik Portillo	G	20	6-6/210	Dubuque (USHL)	`19(67th)
Fla	211	Cole Schwindt	RW	19	6-2/185	Mississauga (OHL)	`19(81st)
Chi	212	Michal Teply	LW	19	6-3/185	Winnipeg (WHL)	`19(105th)
Ott	213	Mads Sogaard	G	19	6-7/195	Medicine Hat (WHL)	`19(37th)
Buf	214	Jonas Johansson	G	24	6-4/205	Rochester (AHL)	`14(61st)
TB	215	Cal Foote	D	21	6-4/215	Syracuse (AHL)	`17(14th)
StL	216	Niko Mikkola	D	24	6-5/200	San Antonio (AHL)	`15(127th)
NYI	217	Robin Salo	D	21	6-1/190	SaiPa (Fin)	`17(46th)
Bos	218	Jakub Zboril	D	23	6-1/200	Providence (AHL)	`15(13th)
Buf	219	Will Borgen	D	23	6-2/200	Rochester (AHL)	`15(92nd)
Pit	220	Pierre-Olivier Joseph	D	21	6-2/170	Wilkes-Barre (AHL)	`17(23rd)
SJ	221	Sasha Chmelevski	C	21	5-11/190	San Jose (AHL)	`17(185th)
Ari	222	Kyle Capobianco	D	23	6-1/180	Tucson (AHL)	`15(63rd)
Det	223	Keith Petruzzelli	G	21	6-5/180	Quinnipiac (ECAC)	`17(88th)
Wsh	224	Garrett Pilon	RW	22	5-11/190	Hershey (AHL)	`16(87th)
NJ	225	Nikola Pasic	RW	19	5-10/185	Karlskoga (Swe 2)	`19(189th)
TB	226	Alex Barre-Boulet	C	23	5-10/165	Syracuse (AHL)	FA(3/18)
Edm	227	Ryan McLeod	C	20	6-2/205	Bakersfield (AHL)	`18(40th)
NYI	228	Samuel Bolduc	D	19	6-3/210	BLB-She (QMJHL)	`19(57th)
Ott	229	Joey Daccord	G	24	6-2/195	Belleville (AHL)	`15(199th)
StL	230	Hugh McGing	C	22	5-9/180	Western Michigan (NCHC)	`18(138th)
Edm	231	Cooper Marody	C	23	6-0/180	Bakersfield (AHL)	T(Phi-3/18)
Tor	232	Jeremy Bracco	RW	23	5-9/180	Toronto (AHL)	`15(61st)
Phi	233	German Rubtsov	C	22	6-2/190	Lehigh Valley (AHL)	`16(22nd)
Wsh	234	Brian Pinho	C	25	6-1/195	Hershey (AHL)	`13(174th)
Col	235	Logan O'Connor	RW	24	6-0/170	Colorado (AHL)	FA(7/18)
Buf	236	Casey Fitzgerald	D	23	5-11/190	Rochester (AHL)	`16(86th)
NJ	237	Daniil Misyul	D	19	6-3/180	Lokomotiv Yaroslavl (KHL)	`19(70th)
Ari	238	John Farinacci	C	19	5-11/185	Harvard (ECAC)	`19(76th)
Edm	239	Aapeli Rasanen	C	22	6-0/195	Boston College (HE)	`16(153rd)
Pit	240	Anthony Angello	RW	24	6-5/205	Wilkes-Barre (AHL)	`14(145th)
Mtl	241	Cam Hillis	C	20	5-10/170	Guelph (OHL)	`18(66th)
Cgy	242	Mathias Emilio Pettersen	RW	20	5-9/170	Denver (NCHC)	`18(167th)
SJ	243	Alexander True	C	23	6-5/205	San Jose (AHL)	FA(7/18)
NYI	244	Reece Newkirk	C	19	5-11/175	Portland (WHL)	`19(147th)
Dal	245	Dawson Barteaux	D	20	6-0/180	RD-Wpg (WHL)	`18(168th)
Bos	246	Jack Ahcan	D	23	5-8/185	St. Cloud State (NCHC)	FA(3/20)
Det	247	Seth Barton	D	21	6-2/175	Mass-Lowell (HE)	`18(81st)
Fla	248	Max Gildon	D	21	6-3/190	New Hampshire (HE)	`17(66th)
Ari	249	Aku Raty	RW	19	6-0/175	Karpat Oulu (Fin)	`19(151st)
Wpg	250	David Gustafsson	C	20	6-1/195	Winnipeg (NHL)	`18(60th)

Olivier Rodrigue – McKeen's Hockey

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

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

Edmonton Oilers Top-15 Prospects

1. Matthew Savoie

2. Sam O’Reilly

3. Roby Jarventie

4. Raphael Lavoie

5. Beau Akey

6. Matvey Petrov

7. Olivier Rodrigue

8. Eemil Vinni

9. Max Wanner

10. Jayden Grubbe

11. Shane LaChance

12. Matt Copponi

13. Maxim Berezkin

14. Nikita Yevseyev

15. James Stefan

MCKEEN’S 2024 NHL PROSPECT REPORT – #32 Edmonton Oilers

1. Xavier Bourgault, C, Bakersfield Condors (AHL)

2. Raphael Lavoie, C/RW, Bakersfield Condors (AHL)

3. Beau Akey, D, Barrie Colts (OHL)

4. Matvey Petrov, RW/LW, Bakersfield Condors (AHL)

5. Olivier Rodrigue, G, Bakersfield Condors (AHL)

6. Max Wanner, D, Bakersfield Condors (AHL)

7. Carter Savoie, LW, Bakersfield Condors (AHL)

8. Tyler Tullio, C/RW, Bakersfield Condors (AHL)

9. Jayden Grubbe, C, Bakersfield Condors (AHL)

10. Shane LaChance, LW, Boston University (NCAA)

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

Top 20 Edmonton Oilers Prospects

1. Xavier Bourgault - C

2. Raphael Lavoie - RW

3. Beau Akey - D

4. Matvey Petrov - LW

5. Carter Savoie - LW

6. Tyler Tullio - RW

7. Max Wanner - D

8. Nikita Yevseyev - D

9. Olivier Rodrigue - G

10. Jayden Grubbe - C

11. Luca Munzenberger - D

12. Jake Chiasson - RW

13. Matt Copponi - C

14. Shane Lachance - LW

15. Joel Maatta - C

16. Maxim Berezkin - RW

17. Tomas Mazura - C

18. Carl Berglund - C

19. Noah Philp

20. Ryan Fanti - G

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

MCKEEN’S 2022-23 NHL YEARBOOK – EDMONTON OILERS – Top 20 Prospects

2021-22 TOP 15 PROSPECTS: EDMONTON OILERS – RANK: #11 – TIER III

McKeen’s 2020-21 Hockey Yearbook: Top 300 Prospect Rankings

McKeen’s 2020-21 Hockey Yearbook: Edmonton Oilers Top 20 Prospects

Philip Broberg, D (8th overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 1)

Evan Bouchard, D (10th overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 2)

Raphael Lavoie, RW/C (38th overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 3)

Dylan Holloway, LW (14th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

Olivier Rodrigue, G (62nd overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 4)

Carter Savoie, LW (100th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

Tyler Benson, LW (32nd overall, 2016. Previous ranking: 5)

Ryan McLeod, C (40th overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 6)

Ilya Konovalov, G (85th overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 9)

Tyler Tullio, RW (126th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

Dmitri Samorukov, D (84th overall, 2017. Previous ranking: 10)

Cooper Marody, RW (158th overall, 2015 [Philadelphia]. Previous ranking: 7)

Aapeli Rasanen, C (153rd overall, 2016. Previous ranking: 8)

Kirill Maksimov, RW (146th overall, 2017. Previous ranking: 11)

William Lagesson, D (91st overall, 2014. Previous ranking: 12)

Philip Kemp, D (208th overall, 2017. Previous ranking: 13)

Markus Niemelainen, D (63rd overall, 2016. Previous ranking: 14)

Maxim Denezhkin, C (193rd overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 15)

Maxim Berezkin, LW (138th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

Patrik Siikanen, LW (195th overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 16)

MCKEENS 2020 NHL PROSPECTS REPORT – TOP 250 PROSPECTS

Philip Broberg, D (8^th overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 1)

Evan Bouchard, D (10^th overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 2)

Raphael Lavoie, RW/C (38^th overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 3)

Dylan Holloway, LW (14^th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

Olivier Rodrigue, G (62^nd overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 4)

Carter Savoie, LW (100^th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

Tyler Benson, LW (32^nd overall, 2016. Previous ranking: 5)

Ryan McLeod, C (40^th overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 6)

Ilya Konovalov, G (85^th overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 9)

Tyler Tullio, RW (126^th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

Dmitri Samorukov, D (84^th overall, 2017. Previous ranking: 10)

Cooper Marody, RW (158^th overall, 2015 [Philadelphia]. Previous ranking: 7)

Aapeli Rasanen, C (153^rd overall, 2016. Previous ranking: 8)

Kirill Maksimov, RW (146^th overall, 2017. Previous ranking: 11)

William Lagesson, D (91^st overall, 2014. Previous ranking: 12)

Philip Kemp, D (208^th overall, 2017. Previous ranking: 13)

Markus Niemelainen, D (63^rd overall, 2016. Previous ranking: 14)

Maxim Denezhkin, C (193^rd overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 15)

Maxim Berezkin, LW (138^th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

Patrik Siikanen, LW (195^th overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 16)