Oilers notebook: Rookies speak before battle against Flames

Edmonton Oilers rookie camp concludes on Monday night with one game against the Calgary Flames rookies.

Many of the higher-profile names heading into tonight’s clash were part of media scrums that began Friday, including Isaac Howard, Josh Samanski, Rudolfs Berzkalns, Connor Clattenburg, Samuel Jonsson, Owen Michaels, and Quinn Hutson.

Lines:

Howard-Samasnki-Hutson
Pitlick-Marjala-Lewandowski
Nicholl-Michaels-Tassy
Cameron-Berzkalns-Harvey

Carfagna-Akey
Robinson-Cibulka
Sjolund-Bookman

Day
Vinni
Jonsson

All three goaltenders are expected to play a period, according to the Oilers game notes.

Here are some highlights from the scrums. You can read Isaac Howard’s quotes in greater length here.

Josh Samanski

After one season in North America, the 24-year-old said he learned a lot playing in Bakersfield, Edmonton, and with his national team at the Olympics.

Now he’s ready to prove he can be a regular on the Oilers after his workout regimen this summer.

“A lot of core strength,” said Samanski. “Our fitness guys here gave me a plan. I did their plan, and it’s just about getting stronger, faster. Obviously, those are kind of the things that you work on every summer. I think we, as a collective, did a really good job at that this year. 

“Last year was new for me, and I didn’t know what was coming. So I think this year the difference is that I know what is coming. I wasn’t really thinking about it too much, just preparing for what’s ahead, and then I think it gives me a little bit of a better feeling heading into it.

“I know I’m a reliable two-way forward, and I think that’s what got me up here last year in the first place. Compete is a big thing too. I’ll just play my game, compete, and do everything possible.”

Connor Clattenburg

Clattenburg’s brief time in Edmonton was memorable as a throwback, take-no-prisoners physical threat. But overall his first season in pro was marred by multiple injuries, which extended into the summer.

He said on Sunday that a lot of the summer was spent rehabbing from an ankle injury, as well as other issues.

“It’s been kind of a tough summer dealing with some things, some rehab problems, and just injury stuff,” he said. “There are some things I gotta get back onto and just pick it up a little more now. I’m already starting to feel better, and I’m right around the corner from being 100 per cent.” 

In total, he played 37 games between Bakersfield and Edmonton and yet combined for 144 penalty minutes. There’s been talk from coach Colin Chaulk about working on his details, but Clattenburg wanted to leave an impression when he was called up. 

“I probably didn’t expect to get that many penalty minutes,” said Clattenburg. “It all just happened the way I play. Opportunities came, and as a young kid, I just wanted to prove what I could do, and put my name out there for other opportunities, and let the league know that I’m coming.  

“I just gotta keep working on the little details that I got to improve, and just getting better all around. Getting in better shape and being able to play more minutes. With the way I play, it’s pretty demanding. You want to be in top shape for that to play a full game. And again, just staying healthy is a big thing. It’s probably the most important thing I got to focus on right now and if I can get through a full season.” 

There’s no doubt, though, that Clattenburg could be a fan favourite. He and other rookies attended the Edmonton Elks Labour Day rematch game on Saturday, throwing mini footballs to the crowd after (several) touchdowns. 

“I feed off the fans and the energy around the city,” he said. “It’s something I want to play in front of every night and do what I do in front of these fans, and do what I can for this team.” 

Samuel Jonsson

In the crowded goalie pipeline, Samuel Jonsson (or Eemil Vinni) might have the highest ceiling of any Oilers goaltending prospect. The 22-year-old came over from Sweden a year ago and played 33 games with the Fort Wayne Komets of the ECHL, even making the All-Star Game.

However, this summer there was speculation he would return to Sweden. Not the case.

“I don’t know where that came from actually, but not a single word of that was true,” he said on Sunday. “I love it here over here. I like playing on the small ice and had a really fun year last year.” 

Where he will end up playing it’s clear, with Connor Ungar and Matt Tomkins slated to be in Bakersfield. But the camp has been another good benchmark to his development.

“Just adapting to the game over here, I think,” he said about coming to North America. “It took some time, but then when I got into it, it felt really good. And I said before, I never had this much fun playing out before, actually. I love it over here.

“The smaller ice, for sure. It comes much faster to you. You have to be on your toes a bit more. So, but that’s what I like about it too. You face a lot more shots over here… there can be shots from everywhere… so you got to be ready.” 

Owen Michaels

Michaels was signed at the end of his NCAA season at Western Michigan last season, and re-upped for a two-year pact in the offseason. He hasn’t gotten to suit up for any pro games yet, but he’s champing at the bit.

“For me personally, I think just staying staying true to who I am, sticking to my identity as a player, not trying to be someone I’m not, controlling what I can control, and being mature,” said Michaels about the upcoming game.

“We’re all rookies here, but I may be a little older, so letting guys kind of lean on me and lead by example a little bit, stay even keel. I’m sure there’ll be a lot of emotions for for many guys, and it’s exciting though. This is where you want to be, and we’re all looking forward to it.” 

Quinn Hutson

Quinn Hutson has played six NHL games, two after being signed in 2024-25, and four in 2025-26. He scored his first NHL goal against the Boston Bruins on Dec. 18, 2025 during his winter stint. It was a great first season in the AHL, finishing as an AHL Rookie-Team member with Isaac Howard.

“It’s been fun,” he said about rookie camp. “It’s been quicker than last year with three quick practices. We kept it real simple and I think that kept it a little less stressful for the guys.”

Hutson buried 30 goals and finished with a total of 63 points in 67 games a season ago. The 24-year-old could be on the bubble of the roster heading into training camp.

“Obviously 30 goals is a great accomplishment,” said Hutson. “I didn’t know what to expect heading into the season. But I just got to keep working and stick to the parts of my game that aren’t about scoring goals. I got to find other ways to help out the team. I think working on that this year will be a big priority.”

Rudolfs Berzkalns

The Oilers second round pick from the draft is going back to the USHL this season to captain the Muskegon Lumberjacks. Berzkalns has been soaking in the experience since being selected 58th overall.

“I’m really just trying to put my name out there,” said Berzkalns ahead of camp and the battle against the Flames. “I’m not worried about it too much. I’m coming here, competing, doing my best on the ice, and just trying to make a name for myself, obviously.

“I don’t have too many nerves right now, so it’s just kind of fun to be here, being around the guys and seeing what the guys have been up to during the summer, and just learning a lot of new things from from new faces that I’ve that I’ve never met before.”