Examining the performances of the Edmonton Oilers prospects in the Next Gen Showcase

With both games against the Calgary Flames rookies completed, there have been some standouts, surprises, and underwhelming performances.

Rookie camps largely serve as an opportunity for players not yet signed to an NHL deal, one last chance to impress before the true pre-season begins. They also allow players on entry-level and AHL-only contracts a chance to adjust to some faster-paced games.

Let’s take a quick look at some of the performances of the rookies that appeared in this year’s camp.

Underwhelming Candidates:

Isaac Howard

Some players just take some time to shake off the summer rink-rust, and Howard is one of them. Largely quiet throughout both games, he was held off of the goal sheet for both iterations.

His teammates generated a fair amount of chances for him, but Howard just couldn’t convert either game unlike his time at Michigan State.

Two of his knacks on his scouting profile include his hockey sense and defensive compete level, which were shortcomings that became far too evident in these two games. It’s too early to write him off or to worry too much about him, but it’s clear that he’s still young and has room to grow.

Camp Invitees

It would be a long shot for any of the camp invitees to be signed by the Edmonton-based NHL club, even for an AHL job. From laid-back defensive zone coverage to some basic play creation/shot selection in the offensive zone, the camp invitees left much to be desired. In most cases, you expect to see these players push even harder as they have more to prove, but none stood out positively in any way.

While, in fairness, not much was expected out of these players, don’t be surprised if none of them earn NHL or AHL contracts either.

Neutral Candidates

Matthew Savoie

The young forward went out there and proved that he was the best Oilers forward on the ice by a big margin. This is exactly what was expected out of the potential NHL-bound rookie, and left little to ponder, as he enters Oilers training camp.

From his senses, to skating, and puck skills, this was the same Savoie that had a quality AHL season last year, and it shows. He also took a moderate step forward as an off-ice leader as team captain for camp, which is a promising step forward in Savoie’s overall development as well.

While Savoie did get physically bullied by some of the more physically imposing Flames prospects like Mace’o Phillips and Hunter Laing, this reminds Oilers fans that Savoie is human after all.

A solid and capable showing for the Canadian winger through and through at this year’s rookie camp.

Quinn Hutson and Josh Samanski

Both players had a decent rookie camp, both sporting goals, and moderate play and chemistry with some of the Oilers’ top prospects. Both players made a case to be in possible contention for an Oilers depth spot, or at worst, top 6 minutes in Bakersfield.

Samanski displayed this through his physicality (pressure absorption, grit, and body leverage) that allowed him the ability to get good positioning and generate chances. Hutson displayed once again his strengths in puck skills, quick thinking, high hockey IQ and solid positioning.

Star Performers

Connor Clattenburg and Tommy Lafreniere

Both of these prospects had solid camps, and while neither is projected to make the Edmonton Oilers this season, at least, this rookie camp displayed some of their hard skill potential. Both Clattenburg and Lafreniere play a game that is focused on compete level, some defensive senses, and physicality.

Lafreniere particularly showed some offensive instinct upside this camp too, which, coming in, was one of his major question marks. This shows that the Kamloops Blazers forward just might have unlocked his next step in his development.

Clattenburg, outside of the odd penalty, proved that he is a wrecking-ball player that every team would love to have, with a high hit frequency, high play engagement, and the ultimate team player. The main question for the 5th rounder remains if he can show a bit more discipline.

Viljami Marjala

The Finnish free agent, showed exactly how he earned an NHL contract with the Oilers this camp. From his pace, playmaking, and puck handling, the TPS alumni had a high-quality showing, which might allow him to stick around longer in Oilers training camp than anyone expected.

Particularly in the second game, anchoring a line of Savoie and Howard, Marjala showed that he could generate zone entries, make plays, and dictate the pace of play in favour of the Oilers. Marjala could be a dark-horse candidate to make the Oilers out of training camp.

Ready for Pre-season

Oilers rookie camp proved the sheer amount of depth within the organization, and this bodes well for the contenders. Between Savoie, Howard, Samanski, Hutson, Marjala, and even Clattenburg, there’s a wealth of either NHL-ready or near NHL-ready young talent for Edmonton this year.

Did you watch the Oilers Rookie Camp? What did you think?