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Edmonton Oilers Prospect Profiles: Matthew Cairns

By Sammi Silber |
Jun 24, 2016; Buffalo, NY, USA; A general view as fans look over a railing with various NHL team banners before the first round of the 2016 NHL Draft at the First Niagra Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 24, 2016; Buffalo, NY, USA; A general view as fans look over a railing with various NHL team banners before the first round of the 2016 NHL Draft at the First Niagra Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

With the 84th overall pick in the 2016 Entry Draft, the Edmonton Oilers selected left-handed defenceman Matthew Cairns to build more blueline depth.

As stated in his Oilers prospect bio, Cairns dreams of playing in the NHL. And, with the way he performed this past year, he shows a lot of promise when it comes to reaching that goal.

Edmonton Oilers
Edmonton Oilers /

Edmonton Oilers

Cairns was one of the surprising standouts of the 2016 draft, as he came from the Ontario Jr. A League. It’s not the most prominent place for players to stand out, but Cairns turned heads and made a name for himself. Through 46 games with the Georgetown Raiders in 2015-16, Cairns posted nine goals and 33 points. Coming into the draft with outstanding point totals and skill, he was certainly one of 2016’s hidden gems.

This past year, Cairns spent time between the USHL’s Fargo Force and BCHL’s Powell River Kings. In 17 games with the Force, Cairns posted four assists and was a plus-7. In 18 games with the Kings, he racked up two goals and 16 points, as well as 26 PIM.

With outstanding numbers under his belt, Cairns hopes to bring his consistency and skill to the NCAA this coming year. The 19-year-old is set to attend Cornell this coming semester.

“I’ve always been a good student and that has been a big part of my life,” Cairns told The Hockey News. “I wanted to get a world-class education and play hockey as well.”

Cairns is one of the Oilers more intriguing prospects. Edmonton has a lot of depth on the blue line, and Cairns appears to show a lot of promise for the team’s future. The 6-foot-2, 202-pound defenceman has the perfect size and frame for the NHL. He is also an effective skater and can win battles for the puck. In addition to taht, he is able to start the

rush with puck-moving acumen.

Next: Can Caleb Jones Make the Next Step Forward?

Taking other prospects like Bear and Jones into account, the Oilers certainly have great depth on the blue line for years to come.

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