Oilers lose top prospect for rest of season
By Paul Taylor
Such has been the bad luck the Oilers organisation has had in 2023-24, it makes sense they would lose one of their best prospects for the season to injury.
Beau Akey’s season is over. As per Sportsnet‘s Jeff Marek, the Oilers’ top rated prospect is set to have shoulder surgery soon.
This is bad news for the Barrie Colts, although Akey should be ready for the beginning of next season. In 14 games in the OHL he had produced nine points (four goals and five assists), along with a +4 plus/minus rating.
The 18-year-old has been making an excellent impression for the Oilers, since they selected him 56th overall in this year’s draft. He was considered a steal at the time, with him being ranked as high as 32nd by Elite Prospects prior to the draft.
Akey impressed in training camp, particularly during the Young Stars Classic. He was rewarded with a preseason appearance, before returning to the Colts for the 2023-24 OHL season.
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Oilers assistant general manager Keith Gretzky spoke about what the defenceman showed during camp. As per Scott Wheeler of The Athletic (subscription required), Gretzky said:
"“He played very well (in Penticton). His hockey sense and skill stood out, and his patience with the puck was really good. And then that translated into the main camp where again what really stood out to me was his smarts, his poise and his patience with the puck.”"
As a result of his impressive progress, the Oilers signed Akey to a three-year, entry level deal. This speaks volumes about his rapid rise within the organisation.
The Waterloo, Ontario native is good enough defensively, but it’s offensively where he really shines. He’s comfortable on the puck, mobile, fast and excellent on the power play.
As things stand, Akey is projected to be NHL-ready for the start of the 2025-26 season. The organisation will of course be hoping he makes a smooth recovery from his shoulder injury.
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Last season saw the right-shot blue-liner break out for the Colts, with 47 points (11 goals and 36 assists) in 66 regular season games. He added five more points (two goals and three assists) in 13 playoff games.