Welcome to Oilersnation’s Top Prospect Countdown for Summer 2025.
This list profiles players and goaltenders under 25 years old who have played fewer than 25 NHL games. Before we dive into the top 10, here are some honourable mentions who are worth watching.
Acquired: No. 180 overall pick in 2021 NHL Draft
Scouting Report: Petrov is a skilled winger who looked like a late-round steal after two strong post-draft seasons with the OHL’s North Bay Battalion. However, the Moscow native has struggled to adjust to pro hockey. He scored nine goals and 14 points in his first season with the AHL’s Bakersfield Condors in 2023-24 and followed that with nine goals and 16 points over 50 games in 2024-25.
Outlook for 2025-26: Petrov is entering the final season of his entry-level deal and needs to show improvement with the Condors to earn another contract with the Oilers.
Acquired: Undrafted NCAA signing
Scouting Report: The Oilers signed Hutson to a two-year entry-level contract in April after he posted 50 points in 38 games during his junior season at Boston University. Like his younger brother Lane (who won the Calder Trophy in 2024-25 with the Montreal Canadiens), Quinn is an undersized player who relies on speed, skill, and creativity to drive offence.
Outlook for 2025-26: Hutson figures to be a top-six winger for the Condors in his first AHL season. He’ll likely be among the players to get a look in Edmonton if he can produce in Bakersfield.
Acquired: Trade with New York Rangers
Scouting Report: Originally selected in the third round of the 2021 NHL Draft by the Rangers, Grubbe was acquired by Edmonton for a fifth-round pick. The 6-foot-3 centre is known for his defensive play and had a solid AHL debut in 2023-24 with eight goals and 14 points over 67 games. However, he regressed in 2024-25, scoring just two goals in 62 games and finishing with a team-worst minus-19 rating.
Outlook for 2025-26: Now in the final year of his entry-level contract, Grubbe will need a bounce-back season to remain in the organization’s plans.
FLINT BREAKS THE SHUTOUT
Connor Clattenburg follows up on the shot and puts home his 11th goal of the season as the @FlintFirebirds get one on the board!#OHL | @CHLHockey pic.twitter.com/bKcqianYwJ
— Ontario Hockey League (@OHLHockey) December 29, 2024
Acquired: No. 160 overall pick in 2024 NHL Draft
Scouting Report: Drafted as an overager, Clattenburg was selected after being passed over in 2023. The 6-foot-2, 205-pound winger captained the OHL’s Flint Firebirds, tallying 16 goals and 35 points in 46 games while racking up 108 penalty minutes. Known for his physicality and tenacity, he also brings some scoring touch.
Outlook for 2025-26: Clattenburg signed his entry-level contract in December of 2024 and will make the transition to professional hockey in 2025-26.
Acquired: Undrafted OHL signing
Scouting Report: Stonehouse earned an entry-level contract in October 2023 after a strong performance at Oilers rookie camp. The 5-foot-10 winger is known for his speed and relentless motor, making him a tough player to face. Injuries limited him in 2024-25, but he still produced 28 points in 48 games split between the Ottawa 67’s and Peterborough Petes.
Outlook for 2025-26: Stonehouse made his AHL debut with the Condors in the spring, appearing in seven regular-season games. The 2025-26 season will be his first full campaign at the professional level.
Acquired: No. 83 overall pick in 2025 NHL Draft
Scouting Report: Edmonton’s first pick in the 2025 draft was Lafreniere, taken in the third round with a selection acquired from St. Louis as compensation for signing Dylan Holloway. He tallied 24 goals and 56 points in 68 games with the WHL’s Kamloops Blazers. Though not seen as a high-ceiling prospect, Lafreniere stands out for his hockey IQ, responsible two-way game, and tenacity.
Outlook for 2025-26: The hope for Lafreniere in his post-draft season is that he can produce above a point-per-game clip and that he can help the Blazers get into the WHL playoffs.
Acquired: No. 117 overall pick in 2025 NHL Draft
Scouting Report: Edmonton stayed in the WHL with its second 2025 selection, taking Lewandowski in the fourth round. The German winger scored 15 goals and 39 points in 52 games with the Saskatoon Blades during his first North American season. Listed at 6-foot-1, he’s praised for his physical edge and two-way game, though scouts note his skating needs work.
Outlook for 2025-26: Lewandowski will take on a larger role with the Blades next season, and he could be poised for a breakout offensively in his second WHL campaign.
Acquired: No. 190 overall pick in 2022 NHL Draft
Scouting Report: A late-round pick from Kazan Bars, Nikita Yevseyev has been developing in Russia’s top two professional leagues since being drafted by the Oilers. The 21-year-old played in a sixth-seventh defenceman role in the KHL in 2024-25, suiting up in 38 games with Ak-Bars and nine games in the VHL. The 6-foot-1, left-handed defender is known for his skating and physicality.
Outlook for 2025-26: There was a rumour that the Oilers were looking to bring Yevseyev to North America next season, but he’ll remain in Russia, likely taking on a larger role with Ak-Bars.
Acquired: No. 183 overall pick in 2024 NHL Draft
Scouting Report: The Oilers selected Sundin in the sixth round of the 2024 draft after he had been previously passed over. He previously attended Toronto Maple Leafs rookie camp as an undrafted invitee in 2023, though there’s no relation to Hall of Famer Mats Sundin. A right-shot defender listed at 6-foot-2, Sundin plays a solid defensive game.
Outlook for 2025-26: After splitting last season between Sweden’s top two professional leagues, Sundin is looking to earn a full-time position in the SHL. He was transferred from Frolunda HC to Timra IK in the spring.
Acquired: No. 218 overall pick in 2024 NHL Draft
Scouting Report: Berry was Edmonton’s final selection in the 2024 draft from the Muskegon Lumberjacks of the USHL. A big, rangy defender playing in a shutdown role, Berry helped the Lumberjacks win the USHL Championship in 2024-25. Though he isn’t quick, Berry is described as a powerful skater with a strong stride.
Outlook for 2025-26: After two years in the USHL, Berry will make the jump to NCAA hockey next season as a freshman with the University of St. Thomas.
Acquired: Undrafted NCAA signing
Scouting Report: Carfagna signed a two-year entry-level deal after a strong 2024-25 season with Ohio State, where he tallied 28 points and a plus-16 rating in 38 games. Though more of a stay-at-home type, he moves the puck effectively and can generate some offence. He’s a bit undersized at 6-foot-0, 185 pounds, but is strong on his skates.
Outlook for 2025-26: Carfagna will make the jump from NCAA hockey to the professional level next season. He’ll be competing for playing time in Bakersfield with other young defenders.
Acquired: No. 184 overall pick in 2023 NHL Draft
Scouting Report: The Oilers only had three draft picks in 2023 and they used their second selection on a goalie, taking Nathaniel Day in the second round. He posted a 0.868 save percentage in 54 games in the OHL in 2023-24 and improved to a 0.894 save percentage over 59 games in 2024-25. Scouts have praised Day for his athleticism, composure, and work ethic.
Outlook for 2025-26: Day signed his entry-level deal in April and impressed in a short ECHL stint, allowing just one goal in three games with the Fort Wayne Komets. He’s in the mix to back up Matt Tomkins in Bakersfield, though the ECHL would offer more regular playing time.
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