Edmonton Oilers prospects roundup: Ranking the 2024–25 prospect pipeline

As seasons conclude for all Edmonton Oilers prospects, let’s take one final look at who became a champion, and where they might stand coming into next season.

There is so much to get into this week- let’s dive right in!

Welcome to the TOR Edmonton Oilers prospect update. Each week, we’ll take a dive into how the Oilers’ prospects have done in their respective leagues. We have defined a prospect as a skater who has played fewer than 65 NHL games, and is younger than 25 years of age.

Ranking of the prospects

With another year in the books for the Edmonton Oilers prospects lets take a look and rank all the prospects from this past season. This ranking is based off of potential, season, and fit into the organization.

*Only prospects born 2000 or earlier are ranked.

1.Matthew Savoie, F, (2004), Bakersfield Condors (AHL)

Not very surprising the usual top prospect in the Oilers pipeline takes the first spot. The speedy winger made a quick adjustment to the professional ranks. Look for Savoie to be a Oilers regular next season.

2. Sam O’Reilly, F, (2006), London Knights (OHL)

O’Reilly was energetic as always. A key contributor on an already strong team. His game is defined by pace, compete, and relentless pressure. He found ways to further innovate his offensive game this year too. The 2024 first-rounder is well on his way to being an NHL regular in the near future.

3. Maxim Beryozkin, (2001), Lokomotiv Yarolslavl (KHL)

Beryozkin has really rounded out his game nicely. Despite being one of the older prospects on this list he continues to find more growth in his game. If the Russian forward signs with the Oilers, fans could realistically expect to see him as early as next season with the Oilers as a solid depth option.

4. Beau Akey, D, (2005), Barrie Colts (OHL)

It’s good to see Akey back and healthy with a full season of hockey under his belt. Still the activation fiend, Akey looked to drive pace of play and offensive output for the Colts all year. Look for him to be a skating and power play marvel at the AHL level next season.

5. Paul Fischer, D, (2005), University of Notre Dame (NCAA)

Fischer had a great year with the University of Notre Dame. The American blue-liner, typically known for his compete, and defensive contributions, took a step forward finding another level to his offensive game as well. A WJC appearance for team USA never hurts either. He’s one to watch in the NCAA.

6. Samuel Jonsson, G, (2003), BIK Karlskoga (Allsvenskan)

Jonsson brought home the hardware and the contract this season. He had a career year, and one that bodes very well for his North American development. Signing in early April with the Edmonton Oilers expect the 2003-born goaltender to play for the Condors, as he likely splits the net with Olivier Rodrigue.

7. Daylyn Wakely, F, (2004), Barrie Colts (OHL)

Wakely had a bit of a fall-off from last season points wise, but don’t let that fool you. The Colts forward has spent this past season refining all elements of his two way game. He’s shown flashes of pretty much every element of play. Oiler fans will have to monitor his rookie campaign in the AHL next season.

8. William Nicholl, F, (2006), London Knights (OHL)

Nicholl could be a steal after a breakout season where he refined his compete level, found a greater scoring touch, and served as deadly depth for the OHL champions. With the departure of many key forwards next season expect Nicholl to have another breakout year in the OHL.

9. Connor Clattenburg, F, (2005), Flint Firebirds (OHL)

Clattenburg is a wrecking-ball, and his tough nosed game and 108 penalty minutes from this past season prove it. The power-forward imposes his might on his opponents, and expect for this to continue. He could be a reliable bottom-six depth option for the Oilers in the future.

10. Oliver Rodrigue, G, (2000), Bakersfield Condors, (AHL)

Rodrigue’s time as a prospect is closing. He did not have the strongest showing this year, but a large portion of this could also be placed on a limited team performance. Next season will certainly be make or break for the goaltenders NHL hopes.

11. Nathaniel Day, G, (2005), Flint Firebirds, (OHL)

The 2005-born goaltender was an absolute workhorse for Flint this past season. He’s certainly got the endurance from the sheer amount of hockey he’s played in the 2024–25 season (72 games). Day’s also shown some real promise as a professional as the end of the ECHL regular season and playoffs showed.

12. Quinn Hutson, F, (2002), Boston University (NCAA)

The Boston Terrier had a star studded season in the NCAA this past year. This earned the undrafted forward a contract with the Oilers. Much like Carfagna, Hutson has a wait and see mentality to see how his highly offensive game adjusts to the professional ranks. Expect him to at minimum be a top Condor.

13. Damien Carfagna, D, (2002), Ohio State University, (NCAA)

Carfagna was a late March 31 addition to the Oilers pipeline. The Ohio State rearguard plays a reliable transitional game, and is a mobile puck moving defender with quality hockey senses. Expect him to make the Condors next season, and play depending, could be a depth option for the Oilers.

14. Josh Samanski, F, (2002), Straubing Tigers, (DEL)

One of the newest additions to the prospect pipeline. The 2002-born forward was one of the most impressive young players in the German DEL this past season. He remains quite raw, but the potential to play a depth role for the Oilers is not out of the question in the near future.

15. Joel Maatta, F, (2002), University of Vermont, (NCAA)

The 2022 draftee, had a breakout season in his fourth year with Vermont. He is a capable two way forward with strong defensive instincts bruising physicality, and higher end compete level. Maatta is a player that the Oilers might just decide to sign by the August 15, 2025 deadline for his rights.

16. Tomas Mazura, F, (2000), St. Lawrence University/ Mlada Boleslav BK (NCAA/Czechia)

The NCAA product left halfway through the NCAA season to play professional hockey in his home country of Czechia. There he found success as a dependable middle-six forward overseas. The Oilers have until August 15, 2025 to determine if they want to offer him a ELC.

17. Matvei Petrov, F, (2003), Bakersfield Condors, (AHL)

Petrov is a pure sniper, and this season saw some limited success, but proved he can play at the AHL level. With his shooting, skating, and positioning expect him to take another step in his development next season in what will be his third season in Bakersfield.

18. Brady Stonehouse, F, (2004), Peterborough Petes, (OHL)

Stonehouse was a late bloomer for the Oilers and although his point total doesn’t show it, he plays a smart physical game with some decent hockey IQ. This smart play didn’t particularly shine on a rebuilding Petes squad but look for him to compete for an AHL spot next season.

19. Jacob Perreault, F, (2002), Bakersfield Condors, (AHL)

The former Anaheim Ducks first-rounder has found a role with the Condors. He’s done well to sustain momentum this past season, and looks to be on the road to re-finding his form. If he impresses next season on the Condors he could realistically get a handful of NHL games in the future.

20. Albin Sundin, D, (2004), Frolunda, (SHL)

One of the largest issues with Sundin is opportunity and execution. Outside of the SHL he looks like he has the offensive instincts, skating, and drive to create plays, but when put into the top Swedish league he was just treading water. Look for him to prove that he belongs at the SHL level next season.

21. Jayden Grubbe, F, (2003), Bakersfield Condors, (AHL)

Grubbe is still looking to carve out his spot on the Condors, and this was a good learning season for the former Red Deer Rebel. Look for him to continue to develop in all situations for the Condors next season. He has the potential to be a possible depth piece in the future.

22. Eemil Vinni, G, (2005), HIFK Helsinki (Liiga)

Vinni didn’t play bad this season. He just barely played, with only nine total games played across the entire year, that’s a sample size not a season. Look for him to return healthy and ready to challenge for a Liiga spot next season.

23. Matt Copponi, F, (2003), Boston University, (NCAA)

Copponi went back to the NCAA with Boston University this past season. The 2003-born forward played a capable depth role on a stacked Terriers team, and even got a trio of AHL games to end the season. Statistical regression plus being released from a AHL ATO doesn’t point to him signing an NHL deal.

24. Luca Munzenberger, D, (2002), University of Vermont (NCAA)

Munzenberger continues to be a steady defensive orientated defender with some decent skating, and defensively responsible decision making. There are still major concerns with his offensive game. Edmonton has to decide whether or not they are signing the defender by August 15, 2025.

25. James Stefan, F, (2003), Fort Wayne Komets, (ECHL)

The WHL product struggled in his AHL rookie campaign, but found steady success and momentum in his reassignment to Fort Wayne. Stefan has scoring tools in terms of offensive senses, shooting, and okay puck skills, but needs to refine them. Expect him to be between the Condors and Komets next year.

26. Petr Hauser, F, (2003), HC Vitkovice, (Czechia)

Hauser continues to play a smart game with some good playmaking tools at his disposal, but needs a more growth in physical effectiveness and speed. He should be able to carve out a role in the top league in Czechia next season. The Oilers have until 2026 to decide if they want to sign the young forward.

27. Connor Ungar, G, (2002), Fort Wayne Komets, (ECHL)

Ungar had a rougher start to the season, but eventually turned it around near the closure of the regular season. This season was much of a growth season for the young goaltender in terms of expectations for the professional ranks. Look for him to be a consistent starter with Fort Wayne next year.

28. Maxim Denezhkin, F, (2000), Avtomobilist Yekaterinburg, (KHL)

Denezhkin played a consistent bottom-/middle-six role for his KHL club. The one element that is not in his favour is his older age. As a 2000-born prospect his two way forward game is solid, but whether he has NHL upside is questionable.

29. Bauer Berry, D, (2005), Muskegon Lumberjacks, (USHL)

Berry showed some statistical regression this season, and went through significant cold spells throughout the season. He still brings his wreckingball physicality and minor risk mitigation. He’s a prospect that the Oilers have until 2029 to make a decision on, so expect them to wait and see.

30. Nikita Yevseyev, D, (2004), Kazan Ak Bars, (KHL)

Yevseyev struggled to find a consistent role with Kazan Ak Bars this season. Often getting less than ten minutes a night he couldn’t find the scoreboard. Yevseyev is more of his defensive contributions, and physciality he continues to find some momentum, but largely stalled this season.

31. Roby Jarventie, F, (2002), Bakersfield Condors (AHL)

The young Finnish forward has openly made it known he is not returning to the Oilers system next year. Combine that news with the fact that he was out with an injury for all but two games this season. Jarventie’s season certainly didn’t go according to plan.

Edmonton Oilers prospect updates

NCAA

• The Muskegon Lumberjacks have been named 2024–25 USHL champions. Congrats to Oilers Prospect Bauer Berry.

OHL

• The London Knights have secured the 2024–25 OHL championship. Congrats to Oilers prospects Sam O’Reilly, and William Nicholl.

Russia

• The Yaroslavl Lokomotiv have secured the KHL’s Gagarin Cup as league champions. Congrats to Oilers prospect Maxim Beryozkin.

Forwards