Edmonton Oilers Prospect report

The Oilers have officially ended the rebuild. Edmonton finished last in 2015-2016, but came roaring back this year to grab the 1st wild card spot, and a playoff birth against the Winnipeg Jets. Although the Oilers were swept, they were competitive in every game, never losing by more than one goal. A promising future for a young core, and even more so, as the prospects inside the organization are looking to make an impact as early as next year. The future team looks to be balanced, and show no glaring weaknesses in defence, goal, or the forward position. Patrik Laine, and Jack Eichel are both expected to step into top 6 scoring roles next season and have an immediate impact on the team.

1) Jack Eichel - Center - MRFHL expected arrival 2017-2018
    2016-17 Team: Buffalo (NHL)
Eichel missed the first 21 games of the season due to injury, but appeared to be the elite franchise center he was projected to be when he returned. Eichel put up 24-33-57 in 61 games this year. He is expected to step into the top 6 next year as a center alongside Ryan O'reilly. Eichel has show he is ready to make an impact the team by accumulating over 100 points in his first two seasons in the NHL. 

1) Patrik Laine - LW/RW - MRFHL expected arrival 2017-2018
    2016-17 Team: Winnipeg (NHL)
Patrik Laine did not miss a beat. Coming off a year where he received the Liiga playoffs MVP, a WJC gold metal, and gave Auston Matthews a run for his money for the position of first overall in the draft, Laine showed the North American audience that it was not a fluke, scoring 36-28-64 in 73 games. Laine is a goal scorer, pure and simple. Something the Oilers could use inside their top 6. Laine is expected to slot in on the wing in the top six, and make an impact for the Oilers in the pacific division.

3) Jack Roslovic - C/RW - MRFHL expected arrival 2018-2019
    2016-17 Team: Manitoba Moose (AHL)
Hidden behind Winnipegs deep and talented young roster is a secret weapon. The NHL eyes are on the likes of Scheifle, Laine, and Ehlers. But Jack Roslovic has improved every year since being drafted. the talented pivot played one year at Miami University before making the jump to pro hockey. The 20 year old put up 48 points in 65 games for the moose, and improved throughout the year. Roslovic may need more time, but he projects to be a middle six player for the Oilers. And the Oilers will happily wait for him to become that player, as long as he shows the improvement he showed this year.

3) Jesse Puljujarvi - RW - MRFHL expected arrival 2018-2019
    2016-17 Team: Bakersfield Condors (AHL)
Expected to make an impact in the NHL this year. Puljujarvi showed that he may not have been as NHL ready as initially thought. The Oilers are more than willing to give him the time he will need, as his size and skating ability are reminiscient of elite players. Jesse scored 1-7-8 in 28 games this year, before being sent to the AHL for some more grooming. The RW put up 28 points including 12 goals in 38 games for the Condors. We see him becoming a two way top six winger with size, in the mold of Mark stone. And with Reinhart, Gagner, and Laine all able to play the right side, there is no reason to rush Puljujarvi to the NHL.

5) Alex Nylander - RW - MRFHL expected arrival 2019-2020
    2016-17 Team: Rochester Americans (AHL)
Alex Nylander played his first year of professional hockey, and impressed, although he may not have hit the high expectations set by his older brother William. Nylander is offensive weapon, blessed with hands, skating, passing, and a great wrist shot. Those tools may have been hidden a bit this year as he put up10-18-28 in 65 games this year. Given this is his first year playing against men, the Oilers are content with what he showed. We expect another year in the AHL for Nylander, where he can find his offensive game, and learn how to play against the best in the world, before he steps into the NHL as a top six scoring winger.

6) Kirill Kaprizov- Left Wing - MRFHL expected arrival 2018-20019
    2016-17 Team: Ufa Salavat Yulayev (KHL)
What a year for Kirill Kaprizov. 42 points in 49 games in the KHL, showing himself to be on of the top players in the league, in one of the best leagues in the world. He also appeared alongside team Russia at the WJC. Where he appeared to be the best player in the tournament putting up 12 points(nine goals) in 7 games. A late round draft pick that the Oilers acquired through trade this year. Kaprizov is expected to play for the Minnesota wild next year. Standing only 5'10 size has become a concern. but skill cannot be ignored, The Oilers hope to have a Kuznetsov in their organization with Kaprizov.

Oilers would also like to tip their hats to the continued improvement of prospects such as Matthew Phillips, who scored 50 goals in the WHL this year. Jack Dougherty, who played his first pro year in the AHL, and was not out of place. Jesper Lindgren who continues to improve overseas. and Felix Sandstrom who may be the goalie of the future in Edmonton, as he put up another strong year in one of the toughest leagues in the world.

Oilers would like to extend our best wishes to Danny Biega, who has announced his retirement from hockey. as well as Rylan Schwartz, who will no longer be a prospect eligible player for us next year.