In August, I wrote concerning the Edmonton Oilers’ farm system and their high 5 prospects. Forward of the 2024-25 season, it was clear that there have been loads of causes for optimism concerning the staff’s prospect cabinet. Matthew Savoie, drafted ninth total by the Buffalo Sabres within the 2022 NHL Draft, had not too long ago been acquired and instantly turned the Oilers’ high prospect.
Roby Jarventie, who had additionally been acquired in commerce, was able to compete for a task, given his rugged play and former expertise with the Ottawa Senators. Forwards Sam O’Reilly and Shane Lachance stood poised for breakout seasons, whereas defender Beau Akey was set to return from damage and showcase the talent set that made him a second-round choice within the 2023 NHL Draft.
Associated: Edmonton Oilers’ Prime 5 Prospects
With the primary few months of the marketing campaign now within the file books, right here’s a take a look at the Oilers’ high 5 prospects and the way they’re performing this season.
Prospect Progress Stories
Beau Akey – Barrie Colts (OHL)
December Grade: A
After lacking many of the 2023-24 season attributable to a shoulder damage, Akey has returned to the Barrie Colts’ lineup with authority. A premier two-way defender, Akey collected 16 factors in his first 22 video games performed and showcased the intelligence and consistency that caught the eye of the Oilers’ administration group. Repeatedly taking part in on each the facility play and penalty kill, his means to be relied upon in varied conditions speaks to his versatility and confidence with or with out the puck.
The Colts boast a wonderful staff this season, however they could solely go so far as Akey can take them. Now an alternate captain in Barrie, his management and on-ice play have been invaluable. If he can keep wholesome and play a full season in Barrie, Edmonton could have a a lot clearer image of the participant they maintain excessive hopes for. Named to Workforce Canada’s choice camp forward of the 2024 World Junior Championship, Akey might show to be one of many only a few Oilers to play within the event.
Shane LaChance – Boston College (NCAA)
December Grade: A
The Oilers might have a hidden gem in Shane Lachance, who was drafted by Edmonton within the sixth spherical of the 2021 NHL Draft. At 6-foot-5 and 220 kilos, he’s an extremely promising and sizeable winger who has drawn comparisons to Tage Thompson of the Sabres. After a dominant rookie season during which he recorded 27 factors in 40 video games, Lachance exploded out of the gate this marketing campaign and picked up 17 factors in his first 14 contests.
Named as captain of Boston College earlier than the beginning of the season, Lachance is within the midst of a wonderful marketing campaign – his productiveness and management mix to make him an exceptionally well-rounded participant whose recreation will transition effectively to the skilled stage. Whereas it’s unclear whether or not or not Lachance will signal an entry-level cope with the Oilers on the finish of the season, it’s evident his recreation is bettering every time he takes the ice.
Sam O’Reilly – London Knights (OHL)
December Grade: B
The London Knights are a perennial powerhouse, and Sam O’Reilly has been a key piece in driving the staff this season. By way of his first 24 video games, he collected 20 factors – a modest complete for the Oilers’ first-round selection within the 2024 NHL Draft. Whereas he’s been outscored by a handful of different Knights this season, together with fellow Edmonton prospect William Nicholl, his recreation has been each constant and dependable.
Valued by the Oilers for his versatility, his consideration to element within the defensive zone and calculated bodily play have continued to enhance recreation by recreation in his second full season in London. Whereas Edmonton would absolutely be thrilled to see a rise in his offensive manufacturing, there’s no query that O’Reilly’s play has improved all through the primary few months of the 2024-25 season.
Roby Jarventie – Bakersfield Condors (AHL)
Season Grade: B
Three months into the 2024-25 season, Roby Jarventie has solely performed two video games. It hasn’t been a perfect begin along with his new staff, who entered the marketing campaign with hopes of cracking the Oilers’ regular-season roster solely to be nagged by damage and the lack to take to the ice.
He was productive in his two video games with the Condors, amassing two assists, however his ongoing damage situation has restricted Edmonton’s means to actually assess the participant they traded for in the course of the offseason, recognized for bringing vitality and physicality to the ice. After present process knee surgical procedure earlier within the yr, it’s unclear precisely how wholesome he’s and whether or not or not the damage might have an effect on his play over the long run. If he can get better, Jarventie might show to be a authentic choice for the Oilers – and one able to bringing grit and scoring to the staff’s backside six.
Matt Savoie – Bakersfield Condors (AHL)
Season Grade: B
It got here as a nice shock to Oilers followers when the staff acquired Savoie from the Sabres this previous offseason. An unimaginable expertise, he had not too long ago led the Moose Jaw Warriors to a Western Hockey League (WHL) championship and had confirmed himself as greater than able to ascend to the skilled stage on a full-time foundation.
By way of his first 18 American Hockey League (AHL) video games with the Condors, Savoie has performed to blended outcomes. Introduced in for his torrent offensive play, he has 4 targets and ten factors. On tempo for roughly 40 factors this season, his play has been spectacular given his age – nevertheless, his manufacturing absolutely gained’t be sufficient to push him into the dialog for ice time with the Oilers because the season progresses.
Except his recreation improves dramatically and he can pressure Edmonton’s hand, it seems that he’ll play the total season in Bakersfield. There’s no situation along with his fee of manufacturing, and it may gain advantage the native of St. Albert, Alberta, to over-ripen within the AHL earlier than leaping to the NHL completely. At 5-foot-9 and 180 kilos, Savoie will want each benefit essential to adapt his model of play to the Oilers’ high-powered offensive assault.
December Prospect Report Card
The Oilers’ high 5 prospects have performed to various levels of success thus far this season, nevertheless, administration must be happy with the early outcomes of their most promising gamers. If Jarventie can get wholesome, and Savoie can discover a increased stage of offensive manufacturing as his first AHL season unfolds, the group must be thrilled with the progress of those younger gamers.
Akey and Lachance have excelled of their respective leagues this season and have proven no indicators of slowing down. In London, anticipate O’Reilly to extend his offensive output, because the Knights are just too sturdy and offensively proficient for him to play at lower than a point-per-game tempo.
The subsequent few months of the marketing campaign shall be value watching, with the 2024 World Junior Hockey Championship and 4 Nations Face-Off providing welcome aid from the lengthy and gruelling common season. We’ll regroup in 2025 and proceed to evaluate the play of Edmonton’s high 5 prospects and assign every a letter grade reflecting their ongoing growth.
