Oilers sign top 2023 draft pick to entry-level contract

The Edmonton Oilers announced the signing of defenseman Beau Akey to a three-year, entry-level contract. According to PuckPedia, the deal carries an $895k cap hit and an AAV of $950k with potential bonuses factored into the picture.

Akey, 18, was the Oilers’ top selection of their three-player 2023 draft class. Drafted in the second round, 56th overall, Akey impressed scouts and was ranked as high as 32nd overall by some draft publications.

The six-foot-tall right-shot blueliner is widely regarded as an exceptional skater who fits the mold of the modern, transition-oriented NHL defenseman. He scored 11 goals and 47 points in 66 games for the OHL’s Barrie Colts last season, and has gotten off to a decent start with the team this year scoring three points in four games.

Seeing as the Oilers have already placed Akey back with the Colts, it’s overwhelmingly likely that at least the first year of this entry-level deal will slide.

While Akey could certainly surprise in training camp next fall and snatch an NHL job, it’s likely that he’ll spend the next two seasons developing in the OHL before he tests the waters of pro hockey with the Oilers.