Edmonton Oilers: Top 10 Prospects

The Edmonton Oilers hit a rut a few years ago in their pipeline. Player development wasn’t as good as it could have been, and drafting wasn’t great. Since then, they’ve improved. It’s gradual, and they have some interesting players for sure.

1. Evan Bouchard

This offensive defenseman had 36 points in the AHL in 2019-20. He excelled in Sweden during the pandemic, and he can be physical. He’s the Oilers’ second-best defenseman and should have been given the chance last season. 

2. Philip Broberg

He’s an offensive defenseman and that was on display at the 2021 World Junior Championship with three points in four games. He’s off to a good start in Bakersfield, but Broberg has to sure up his game in his own end. 

3. Dylan Holloway

This talented center has been getting better every season with Wisconsin and internationally. He’s a two-way player who is good on face-offs with some offensive upside. Holloway needed wrist surgery before camp began but will be in Bakersfield this season. 

4. Xavier Bourgault

Bourgault has great hands and a way to skate to a spot and slow down the play to find the open player. Bourgault is tricky around the net and excellent on the power play. He must improve on face-offs as he moves up the ladder.

5. Ryan McLeod

This defenseman started his uptick in 2019-20, McLeod played 56 games for Bakersfield and scored five goals with 18 helpers. He will jet into the offensive zone, score on a wraparound, or a hard wrist shot. McLeod was one of the fastest players in his draft class. It can be a weapon at the NHL level as well. 

6. Tyler Benson

Benson is a center who is all effort. Did injuries make him an AAA player, or will he stick in the NHL someday? Time will tell, but the tools are there for Benson to be a bottom-six player.

7. Ty Tullio

This right wing trains hard and plays hard. He has heart and work ethic. He skates well and has an accurate shot. He’s a 5-11 center, but he will play in the NHL.

8. Raphael Lavoie

Lavoie is already strong, and he’ll eventually find his man strength. He has a great wrist shot. He has to battle his own head. He has to work harder in his own end. 

9. Dmitri Samorukov

The 6-2 defenseman doesn’t have the fastest or hardest shot, but it goes on net, and teammates get scoring chances as a result. Has long arms and speed, so he can get to the net or make a whip pass.

10. Matvey Petrov

Petrov is a versatile winger who has a deadly one-timer and has had two hat tricks this season for North Bay. He’s got good hands and is tricky around the net. He could move up this list after this season.