Five dark horse candidates to make the Edmonton Oilers opening day roster

With a summer almost entirely devoid of any news, major moves, or roster controversy, we have had plenty of time to come up with some expected line combinations. Almost to a point of being certain who will make the team and where they will play even before training camp. But early on, we had already been subject to some possible changing expectations as free agent signing Viljami Marjala had an impressive showing at the Next Gen Showcase between the Edmonton Oilers and Calgary Flames.

With training camp now underway, giving a bunch of new depth players a chance to make their case to be in the opening night roster, it turns out there are a handful of players that may exceed expectations early on and win a battle for a roster spot.

This would be an ideal scenario for the Oilers. The strategy of signing older prospects or free agents out of Europe is a non-traditional way to replenish a prospect pool and build organizational depth. But if it works out, then the front office is going to look like a bunch of geniuses.

Early indications show a ton of promise for this strategy as some of these signings might just don an Oilers jersey much sooner than expected. Here are four dark horse candidates to make the opening night roster.

1. Quinn Hutson

We got a glimpse of the oldest Hutson brother late last season when he signed and made his debut over the last couple of games of the regular season. Now entering his first full professional season, Quinn Hutson is looking to make an impact and earn another contract this offseason.

He is off to a fantastic start after a stand-out performance in the Next Gen Showcase in which he found the scoresheet for a couple of points. His performance drew some eyes as he was able to lead the team’s efforts on the ice.

Hutson was not often penciled into the opening night lineup over the offseason, but with a few more solid performances in the preseason, he could very easily play his way into the lineup.

2. Viljami Marjala

There were no clear expectations for Viljami Marjala heading into this season. A prominent scorer and playmaker in the Liiga last season, it was hard to come to a consensus on what to make of this player. The likely destination was AHL, but could we see him don an Oilers sweater on October 8?

Marjala showcased his versatility in the Next Gen Showcase and his first preseason game, playing centre and wing while scoring the opening goal in the first game of the rookie tournament. He has been active on the ice, making plays happen, and strong on the forecheck, which led to his line scoring a goal in Sunday’s preseason game.

An aggressive, energetic forward with versatility and strong offensive instincts would fit great on the Oilers roster. If he continues to impress, there should be a spot for him in the middle-six forwards on opening night.

3. Josh Samanski

One criticism of the Oilers roster last season is a lack of physicality and grit. Some suggest it was one of the factors they were overwhelmed in the Stanley Cup Final. The addition of Josh Samanski to the prospect pipeline helps to address that. And if he stays solid in training camp, we could potentially see him on opening night.

Samanski signed with the Oilers late last season after an impressive 40 point season, leading his team in scoring, in the DEL as one of the youngest players on his team. He is a big, talented forward that the organization clearly values, considering his first appearance in an Oilers uniform at the Next Gen Showcase was lined up with Matthew Savoie and Isaac Howard.

He has limited experience on North American ice, which makes the game a lot faster than he might be used to. A likely outcome is some time in the AHL to adjust. But if the Oilers need some size down the middle, Samanski could rocket up the depth chart.

4. Atro Leppanen

The addition of a player like Atro Leppanen is the definition of doubling down on strengths. The Oilers are an offensive team, so why not play into that with another offensively inclined defender?

Leppanen led the Liiga in scoring last season with 63 points in 60 games. A talented puck mover and play driver like him could provide a punch farther down in the lineup, helping to ignite some depth scoring.

He has stood out this far in training camp and the first preseason game. His play reads are top notch, he can make tricky plays, and he finds open lanes to shoot from.