The prospects that the Edmonton Oilers will have to make a decision on

With the draft in the rearview, the next biggest event in terms of prospects is NHL ELC decision day. With five new additions to the Edmonton Oilers prospect pipeline (Tommy Lafreniere, David Lewandowski, Asher Barnett, Daniel Salonen, and Aiden Park), that means older draft picks have their rights expiring.

This year there are four prospects Edmonton have to make a decision to give an ELC to by August 15, 2025, or let their rights expire.

This crop includes:

Matt Copponi, F, Boston University, NCAA, (2003)

Initially drafted in the seventh round 216th overall of the 2023 NHL draft, the Oilers found a college junior in his second season with Merrimack college as a potential late bloomer.

The now 22-year-old forward recently transferred to Boston University for this past season of college hockey. On a star-studded Boston University team he served as a reliable option for Head Coach Jay Pandolfo, where he racked up 24 points across 40 games.

The Terriers forward then ended his season in Bakersfield where he appeared in three AHL games posting two points along the way. A tough nosed high compete level forward with some shutdown ability.

It is unlikely that the Oilers offer a contract to the centreman, as there are better options even within the Oilers prospect pool that offer what the forward does in terms of style of play.

Joel Maatta, C, University of Vermont, NCAA, (2002)

The Finnish centre was similarly a over-ager in the 2022 NHL draft and selected in the seventh round, 222nd overall. Across four season with the University of Vermont, Maatta proved to be a dependable physical two way forward with high compete and responsible defensive senses.

He’s shown some offensive growth too, finishing this past season with 27 points across 35 games, which is nearly doubling his previous NCAA career best. Skating and offensive instincts look to be huge barriers for Maatta’s pace of play, which raises questions about his transferability to the pro-ranks.

There’s a 50/50 chance that the Oilers could sign the 23-year-old Finn, but they just as likely might not.

Luca Munzenberger, LD, University of Vermont, NCAA, (2002)

Originally selected 90th overall in the third round of the 2021 NHL draft, the German rearguard decided to take the NCAA development pathway with the University of Vermont.

Munzenberger has never been one to light up a scoresheet, with 21 total points across four seasons. That’s fine. Munzenberger is largely seen as a isolating shutdown defensive defender, with quality skating, and defensive instincts.

He had a solid senior season with Vermont but hasn’t shown as much growth as a third round selection might. The question just remains on if the Oilers think they could find another player to fill out Munzenberger’s role or not.

Verdict? 60/40, its uncommon that you see a third-round pick walk for nothing without even being given a chance at the ECHL or AHL level, so it’s quite possible that the Oilers give him a “prove it’”type contract.

The signal may may indicate he is not going to receive a contract offer anytime soon from the Oilers is that he has signed to play in Germany with Kölner Haie for the upcoming year. This could just be him preferring to play professionally closer to home while developing for a future NHL attempt.

Tomas Mazura, F, St. Lawrence University, NCAA, (2000)

The soon to be 25-year-old Czechia-born forward was selected 162nd overall in the sixth round of the 2019 NHL Draft. To say its been a while would be an understatement.

First going to Providence College, then transferring to St. Lawerence for two and a half seasons, then signing in his home country of Czechia with BK Mladá Boleslav where he found moderate success as a middle-upper lineup forward.

With a 6’4” frame, okay puck skills, and some scoring ability, he will carve out a good European professional career. Considering Mazura’s age, and him re-signing with BK Mladá Boleslav for the 2025–26 season, the writing is on the wall.

No, Mazura won’t be signing an NHL ELC.

As new prospects come in others have to leave, its just the circle of hockey life. The Oilers have another four prospects with decisions due in 2026, so the organization is no stranger to making these types of decisions.

What do you think of any of these prospects?