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Edmonton Oilers: How to Move Forward With All Top Ten Prospects

By Jeff James

EDMONTON, AB - OCTOBER 25: Evan Bouchard #75 of the Edmonton Oilers poses after scoring his first NHL goal following the game against the Washington Capitals on October 25, 2018 at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Andy Devlin/NHLI via Getty Images)
EDMONTON, AB - OCTOBER 25: Evan Bouchard #75 of the Edmonton Oilers poses after scoring his first NHL goal following the game against the Washington Capitals on October 25, 2018 at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Andy Devlin/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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Edmonton Oilers
DALLAS, TX – JUNE 23: Ryan McLeod poses for a portrait after being selected 40th overall by the Edmonton Oilers during the 2018 NHL Draft at American Airlines Center on June 23, 2018 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Jeff Vinnick/NHLI via Getty Images) /

Last Pool of Prospects

8. Ryan Mcleod

Mcleod came into Oilers camp this year and impressed a lot of people, so much so that he almost made the Oilers out of camp. He has had a solid year in the OHL this year, with 21 points in 25 games. I would not have Mcleod with the Oilers next year. Have him go down and join what will be another successful Condors team and learn how to play the pro game. A year in the minors at a point a game pace would be a successful year for him. He could move up this list of prospects with another great year next year.

9. Joel Persson

I will admit, I do not know much about Joel Persson. He kind of came out of nowhere and is having a great two years in the Swedish Elite League, and the Oilers have his rights. This is another great pickup for the Oilers. His timeline is a little rushed considering he is 25 years old. However, I would still like to see him play a year in the AHL with the Condors and see if he can put up big numbers in the North American pro game. If he can, the Oilers could consider moving Ethan Bear. A season operating the second pair and second PP unit for the Condors should be good for him.

10. Kirill Maksimov 

Since being drafted by the Oilers in the 5th round, 146th overall by the Oilers in 2017, Maksimov has put up two monster seasons in the OHL. Don’t look now, but the Oilers may have a late round sleeper on their hands. He put up 80 points last year and another 76 in 59 games this year. I will be the first to say putting up numbers in junior does not always translate to pro. Do not rush him, have him play at least one full year in the AHL before considering bringing him up to the Oilers.

The Oilers have a great prospect pool, and if managed correctly, they could set up the team for success in the coming years. That is one positive to take out of this season. Thanks for reading!

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