Training camps will soon be underway across the NHL, and this period is particularly significant for the Edmonton Oilers. With players ranging from 18-year-old rookies to seasoned veterans, every prospect vies to make their mark. The Oilers’ journey to discovering their following considerable talents will kick off at the Young Stars Classic in Penticton, BC, where rookies from various organizations, including the Calgary Flames, Vancouver Canucks, and Winnipeg Jets, will compete for roster spots. The best performers will earn an invitation to the Oilers’ main training camp, where the future of the team’s lineup will start to take shape.
Matthew Savoie: Contender for the Oilers’ Roster
Matthew Savoie, a highly touted 2022 9th overall pick, joined the Oilers after a summer trade with the Buffalo Sabres that sent Ryan McLeod the other way. This acquisition has bolstered Edmonton’s prospect pool significantly, and Savoie has quickly risen as the top prospect for the Oilers.
Standing at 5’10”, Savoie brings skill, creativity, and a notable shot to the ice, complemented by a fierce competitive nature. His ability to score and set up plays gives him a unique edge, making him a valuable addition, particularly with the Oilers’ roster changes.
Savoie was assigned jersey #22—a signal of his potential role on the team. This jersey assignment, typically reserved for players with a real shot at making the team, could see Savoie start alongside NHL veterans if he impresses during the Young Stars Classic.
A notable player comparison has been drawn between Savoie and Viktor Arvidsson, who were known for their tenacity during their time in Los Angeles. If Arvidsson ends up on the IR, Savoie could see playing time on Leon Draisaitl’s line, positioning him as a vital right-wing candidate.
Beau Akey: The Oilers’ Defensive Standout
Beau Akey, selected 56th overall in the 2023 NHL Draft, is Edmonton’s leading defensive prospect. His well-rounded defensive play has demonstrated potential, making him one to watch as he continues developing his game.
Akey’s skating ability is exceptional, making him a strong puck-mover at 6’0″ and 183 pounds. His agility and athletic prowess have impressed the Oilers’ management, even as he seeks to maximize his abilities on offense and defense.
Despite his talents, Akey faced setbacks due to injuries last season, limiting him to just 14 games with the Barrie Colts in the OHL. With a full recovery, he is set for a rebound season, aiming to debut in the NHL in 2025-26 if his development continues this positive trajectory.
Sam O’Reilly: The Defensive Dynamo
The Oilers showed great confidence in Sam O’Reilly by trading up on draft day. Acquired through a trade with Philadelphia, he was picked 32nd overall, with Edmonton exchanging a 2025 first-round conditional pick to secure him.
Dobber Prospects ranked O’Reilly 44th, which sparked curiosity. Edmonton’s decision to bring him in highlights a strategic focus on bolstering their defensive depth, particularly with a player who excels in a shutdown role.
O’Reilly scored 56 points in 68 games as a rookie in the OHL, followed by 12 points in 16 playoff games. As a shutdown center, O’Reilly aims to add offensive versatility to his defensive skill set, aspiring to become a reliable two-way 3C in the Oilers’ lineup.
Matvey Petrov: Russian with Scoring Potential
Matvey Petrov experienced a challenging start in Bakersfield last season. Despite a slow first year, he brings a lethal shot that can make an impact if he finds consistency.
Petrov’s shot has long been considered his standout attribute, and honing his skills in the AHL could eventually prepare him for an NHL call-up.
Jayden Grubbe: Adding Physicality to the Bottom Six
At a towering size and with a physical playing style, Jayden Grubbe is vying to secure a spot in Edmonton’s bottom six. His physicality and drive can be valuable assets, adding grit to the Oilers’ roster. Grubbe’s playstyle has the potential to add defensive stability and physical presence, offering a critical support role for Edmonton’s forward lines.
Connor Ungar: A Goalie with Proven Performance
Connor Ungar has shown promise on the net, boasting a solid record in the WHL two years ago and following it with impressive stats at Brock University. While goaltenders often take time to mature, Ungar’s steady performance marks him as an intriguing prospect for the Oilers’ goaltending depth chart.
The Young Stars Classic: A Critical Showcase
From September 13th to 16th, prospects from the Oilers, Flames, Canucks, and Jets will compete, bringing intense rivalries and the opportunity for players to prove themselves against their peers. This showcase will set the stage for Oilers rookies, allowing them to advance to the team’s training camp and compete for a spot in the opening-day lineup.
Challenges and Opportunities
Elite Prospects and The Athletic currently rank the Oilers’ farm system 30th in the NHL. Although the system is among the league’s weakest, it still holds a few key prospects with NHL potential.
Prospects: Building for Long-Term Success
The Oilers’ training camp offers young players an invaluable opportunity to learn and grow, a critical step for shaping the franchise’s future success. The Oilers are working to develop a core of playoff-ready players capable of sustaining high performance throughout the grueling NHL season.
The Edmonton Oilers’ current rookie class represents a promising, albeit challenging, mix of talent and potential for the future. With prospects like Matthew Savoie, Beau Akey, and Sam O’Reilly leading the way, the team is poised to add youthful energy and skill to its roster in the coming seasons. Each player brings unique strengths that could fill essential roles, whether Savoie’s offensive prowess, Akey’s defensive agility, or O’Reilly’s potential as a two-way center. As these rookies continue to develop and battle for positions, they offer the Oilers’ fan base and the broader Alberta sports community an exciting glimpse into the team’s future.
