Edmonton Oilers: Prospects to Watch at Development Camp
By Sammi Silber
The Edmonton Oilers are kicking off their 2017 summer development camp this week, which features a variety of prospects.
From entry-level players to 2017 draft picks, there are a variety of Oilers in the system attending the week-long camp in Jasper, Alberta. Here are the faces to watch this week as old and new Edmonton players hit the ice.
Kailer Yamamoto
Edmonton’s 22nd overall pick in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft, Yamamoto is hitting the ice for the first time as an Oiler. Though the 5-foot-7, 146-pound winger is small, he packs a lot of skill and potential and will be an outstanding part of the team’s future.
In 65 games with his hometown WHL Spokane Chiefs, Yamamoto registered 42 goals and 99 points. He not only showed outstanding goal-scoring prowess but also displayed great playmaking ability.
His size did not slow him down, and he still played with great momentum. The 18-year-old has a couple more years in juniors before he can crack the AHL roster, but he will certainly be a solid player in the NHL as he moves up the ranks.
Though injured and not skating, fans should keep an eye on Bear. When watching him on the ice, it’s hard to believe that he was a fifth-round pick.
Since being drafted 124th overall in 2015, Bear has broken out to become one of the most promising defencemen in juniors.
Through 67 games last season, the 20-year-old finished with 28 goals and 70 points and was among the WHL’s leading defensive scorers. He also carried his team to a WHL Championship, recording six goals and 26 points through 17 playoff games, despite a broken hand interrupting him.
Bear will likely begin the year with the Bakersfield Condors, but if he keeps up the production, he could see time in the NHL sooner rather than later. Already, he’s looking like an immediate call-up player.
Tyler Benson
Edmonton’s 32nd overall pick in 2016, Benson has a lot to prove in his second camp. One of the most promising forwards in the organization, the 19-year-old has run into injury troubles that he is trying to put behind him. However, that hasn’t slowed down his production in juniors.
In 33 games with the Vancouver Giants, the captain registered 11 goals and 42 points. Benson is not only an outstanding playmaker, but he plays a solid two-way game and can also score goals.
Benson will have to stay healthy if he wants to continue to chase his NHL dreams but seems to show tremendous upside right now, even with his complications. Another fun fact: he’s played against Ethan Bear from time to time.
Ostap Safin
A Czech 2017 draft pick, Safin has a lot of potential and it is thanks to his skill and size. In 24 games with HC Sparta Praha U20, he finished with six goals and 18 points, and also racked up 66 PIM.
The 6-foot-4, 198-pound is an outstanding physical presence and plays a complete 200-foot game. He is not only an excellent skater but a winger with an outstanding and lethal shot. Still, despite having great offensive instincts, he can use his size and physicality to take care of the puck and backcheck efficiently.
Not only does Safin add more depth on the RW through the organization, but he adds size, physicality and a two-way style that the Oilers could use through their organization.
Caleb Jones
The younger brother of Seth Jones, Caleb is an up-and-coming defenceman that shows a lot of potential and promise. Not only does he play a physical game, but this past season, he had an offensive breakout that only made him look much better.
Through 63 games with the Portland Winterhawks, Jones finished with nine goals and 62 points. Jones was great on offence, showcasing tremendous playmaking ability and an underrated shot from the point. He was also an outstanding presence on defence, as he was able to win battles for the puck in his own zone and along the boards and play an aggressive game.
Jones will likely start the season in Bakersfield, and could see minutes with Bear. The two appear to be the Oilers’ promising pairing most prepared for the NHL.