2025 Edmonton Oilers Prospect Honorable Mention: Aidan Park

Aidan Park’s development so far

Park spent the 2022–23 and 2023–24 seasons playing with the Shattuck St. Mary’s 18U prep team in the USHS-prep. He played a total of 109 games and produced 68 goals, with 107 assists, for 175 points. That is way over a point per game and gives him an average of 1.61.

The centre finished his time in the USHL (United States Hockey League) playing with Green Bay Gamblers. With a total of 57 games played, Park saw some solid production with 33 goals and 34 assists for 67 points. He potted 66 points (33 goals and 33 assists) in only 55 games last season.

Something interesting to mention is that Park is rostered on the Calgary Hitmen lineup in the WHL. He has not officially played a Western game yet, but he is expected to play with the Hitmen in the 2025–26 upcoming season.

Aidan Park’s strengths and weaknesses

Park is a complete forward, who combines non-stop movement with puck winning skills, puck protection ability and an assertive defensive game. He scans the ice often, and makes plays quickly, is able to get to the net and fires his shots with power and precision. Park shows signs or flashes of high-end skill, has an ability to make complex passing plays, pull off high-skill, high-speed finishes and can manipulate defenders. He has a detailed approach and willingness to play through contact.

For Park to make the NHL, he will have to keep adding speed and explosiveness, as well as improving his skill when in-motion. Park is not a polished skater by any means, and is far from a typical linear single-speed attacker. His skating needs some work, with puck skills that are not elite.

The skill level and skating remain questions for the NHL level, but certainly won’t hold him back in college. If he can add a bit more explosiveness, agility, and handling skill
(especially on the reception), he could become a bottom-six forward in the NHL, too.

Tools are his primary limiter, Park fights the puck sometimes and struggles with handling at high speed—puck ends up more in front of him than side-by-side by his hip. The two biggest improvements in his game that I think he could benefit from, are with his shot utilization when he gets those chances and opportunities, and his skating ability, which will help open up more ice and give him time to react accordingly.

Aidan Park’s next steps

Aidan Park has at least a few years, before he will get the opportunity to play for the Edmonton Oilers in the NHL. The organization is going to let him develop in the WHL with Calgary first and may even have him play with the University of Michigan in the NCAA, where he is expected to be during the 2026–27 season.

There definitely exists a world where Park will be playing for the Oilers on their fourth line, either as a centreman or a winger. He will most likely be a key piece for the development of the team in the future. As a workhorse, two-way centre and a heavy shooter, I personally think that Edmonton will benefit from having him play for them.

When do you think Aidan Park will officially play as an Edmonton Oiler?, and where in the lineup will he play? Feel free to let us know in the comments.