Quinn Hutson to represent Edmonton Oilers at Upper Deck NHLPA Rookie Showcase

Hutson may not be the most prominent prospect the Oilers have, but he was ranked seventh in The Oil Rig’s recent prospect ranking list.

Joining the organization at the tail end of the 2024–25 regular season, Hutson quickly made his debut and played in the team’s final two games before the playoffs, helping fill an injury riddled lineup and allowing the team to rest other players. He did not record a point in his first two games.

Hutson had spent the previous three seasons playing at Boston University. In his final season there, he recorded 50 points in 38 games.

Oilers at the NHLPA Rookie Showcase

Hutson will getting an opportunity to spend time with a future star-studded group of players. Recent first overall pick Matthew Schaefer will be in attendance, as are Tij Iginla, Ryan Leonard, Alexander Nikishin, Zayne Parekh, Beckett Sennecke, and Matthew Wood, among others.

Last summer, the Edmonton Oilers representative was Olivier Rodrigue, who went on to make his NHL debut late in the season. Rodrigue, however, was left unsigned as free agency opened and he has since signed in the KHL.

Xavier Bourgault was the Oilers’ attendee in 2023. He went on to seemingly stall in his development the following season and was traded to the Ottawa Senators a year later. While Dylan Holloway was invited in 2022. He is also no longer with the team after last offseason’s offer sheet fiasco.

A benefit to Quinn Hutson’s growth as a player

Quinn is the oldest of the hockey playing Hutson brothers, two years older than Lane and four years older than Cole. But it is not a race here, and this opportunity so soon after signing his first NHL deal is an amazing chance for Quinn to gain some experience and spend time with talented prospects.

Hutson, being a smaller player, does need to develop a particular skillset in order to succeed in the NHL. One that will be focused on speed and agility with the vision to find open areas on the ice. A chance to spend time with a variety of highly talented prospects, some of whom will need to find a similar playstyle in the NHL, can only benefit his growth.

Given the logjam of forwards the Oilers have competing for roster spots, Hutson is unlikely to make the NHL roster out of training camp, barring an incredibly impressive preseason performance. However, a season in the AHL adjusting to the professional game is a smart developmental move for him to hone his skills. Time in the AHL helped Matthew Savoie significantly, as he enters the upcoming season projected as a top-six forward who can be utilized in all strengths. Regardless, Hutson is likely to see NHL games this season as he is waiver exempt and can be easily recalled/sent down to the Bakersfield Condors.