Edmonton Oilers Make Smart Selections at 2017 NHL Entry Draft

The Edmonton Oilers made a splash at the 2017 NHL Entry Draft, making quality choices to further build their organizational depth.

First, the Oilers selected winger Kailer Yamamoto with the 22nd overall pick. Though small, Yamamoto has outstanding offensive capabilities and uses his speed, size and skill to create scoring chances. In addition, he is able to push people off the puck and keep up with the play, which will serve as an asset to this young Oilers group now.

Third Round

The Oilers did not have a second-round pick but did move up in the third round. They traded their 82nd overall pick and 126th overall pick to the Arizona Coyotes in exchange for the 78th overall pick. With that selection, they drafted goaltender Stuart Skinner of the WHL’s Lethbridge Hurricanes.

An Edmonton native, Skinner was ecstatic to be drafted by his hometown team. The 6-foot-3, 200-pound netminder is a big body that can move quickly and step up in critical situations. This past season, Skinner posted a 3.26 GAA and .905 save percentage through 60 games this season. In 20 playoff games, Skinner was outstanding, posting a .916 save mark and helping the Hurricanes put up an impressive postseason campaign.

Edmonton Oilers

The Oilers also had the 84th overall pick and took defenceman Dmitri Samorukov of the OHL’s Guelph Storm as their second player in the third round. A left-handed blueliner, Samorukov is an effective skater, and the 6-foot-2, 181-pound defenceman has a good frame for the NHL. He finished this past season with four goals and 20 points through 67 games with the Storm, and also represented Russia in the U18 National Championship. In seven tourney games, Samorukov posted a goal and five points.

Fourth Round

With the 115th overall pick in the fourth round, Edmonton took Ostap Safin of the Czech Jr. League’s Sparta. Perhaps Safin’s greatest quality is his size; the 6-foot-5, 198-pound winger is big and plays a physical game. However, he also skates well and displays great speed and puck-handling ability. A solid two-way player, he is able to play a smart defensive game while also putting up points. In 24 games with Sparta, Safin posted six goals and 18 points and racked up 66 PIM.

Fifth Round

With the 146th overall pick, Edmonton took forward Kirill Maksimov from the OHL. A right-hand shot, Maksimov can play either side of the wing, and is able to make plays and score goals. He split the season between the Saginaw Spirit and Niagara Ice Dogs. Between both clubs, Maksimov put up 21 goals, but proved truly impressive with Niagara in the latter part of the season, racking up 15 goals and 22 points in just 29 games.

Sixth Round

In the sixth round, the Oilers used their 177th overall pick to take centre Skyler Brind’Amour of the Selects Hockey Academy. His name recognition defines him; he is the son of former Carolina Hurricanes captain Rob Brind’Amour. He is planning to play this upcoming year with the Chilliwack Chief of the BCHL and will go on to play NCAA hockey for Michigan State in 2018-19.

At just 17, Brind’Amour doesn’t have too many games under his belt at the professional level, but has proved his worth. In six games with the Selects Hockey Academy, Brind’Amour posted three goals and nine points. He also played for the USNTDP Juniors and represented the U.S. U17 and U18 National Teams.

Next: Everything to Know About Kailer Yamamoto

Seventh Round

Lastly, with the 208th overall pick, Edmonton selected defenceman Philip Kemp of the USHL’s USNTDP. The 6-foot-3, 201-pound blueliner has the perfect frame for the NHL and is a right=hand shot. As the captain of the U.S. U18 National Team this past year, Kemp posted five goals and 13 points through 64 games.

As the captain of the U.S. U18 National Team this past year, Kemp posted five goals and 13 points through 64 games. He head to the NCAA as a defenceman for Yale University this coming season.