How the Oilers’ Offseason Decisions Affect Their AHL Prospects

Despite that, the Condors forwards should stay ready. The Oilers have run into big injury troubles the past two seasons and needed reinforcements late in the regular season and even into the playoffs. They have also had players struggle at different points in the season, causing players to be sent down or put on waivers. That opens another door for one of these guys to get a call. Ultimately, chances don’t look great for them right now, but anything can happen when the season gets started.

Defensemen Are in Tough

The Oilers’ defence is arguably the weakest of the three position groups in their prospect pool. This group is highlighted by Atro Leppänen, Damien Carfagna, and Beau Akey. These guys are all 27 years old or younger, so they could still develop and become part of the defence core. The looming problem for them right now is Edmonton’s packed blue line on the NHL roster.

The Oilers are essentially eight-deep on the back end right now. This includes zero AHLers due to free agent signings Connor Murphy and Ryan Shea and trade acquisition Shakir Mukhamadullin. The young defenders waiting in the wings may break out this season and give management a reason to be called up, but it’s just the simple fact that there’s next to no room on the roster for them that their chance probably won’t come soon.

Once again, anything can happen. Injuries are a very real problem, and the Oilers have had to rely on prospects before to step up and eat minutes in the face of veterans missing time. This young group in Bakersfield should stay ready and continue to improve.

Goalies Are in No Rush

Edmonton made a couple moves at the goaltender position, allowing Connor Ingram to go to free agency, trading for youngster Devon Levi, and signing Stanley Cup champion Frederik Andersen. This was great for the team as it puts them in a strong position to start the season with plenty of options in net.

This also takes off any pressure there could’ve been on the AHL goalies. The big man on campus in Connor Ungar has been thriving at every level he’s played and could be very close to playing at the top level. He posted a .923 save percentage (SV%) and one shutout in 13 appearances with the Condors last season. This is all impressive, but there’s no need to rush the young man onto a contending team.

He has a good group of coaches and a veteran goalie in Matt Tomkins backing him up this season, which will help him get even better and push him closer to the NHL level. The Oilers’ offseason moves give him time to become the player they are hoping he can be for them in a couple years’ time.

We’ll see how the Oilers utilize their farm system this season, whether through their active roster or as trade chips. Either way, everyone needs to stay ready.