The Edmonton Oilers wrapped up their rookie camp exhibition matches with another game against their provincial Battle of Alberta rivals, the Calgary Flames. This was the second half of a home-and-home that saw the two teams face off in Edmonton, Friday and Calgary, Sunday.
This second game had a similar ending to the previous one, a close one-goal loss that despite losing saw some very encouraging efforts from a number of prominent Oilers rookies. That was the main takeaway from these games. The Oilers have some players that can clearly standout and should be able to fit in well at both the National Hockey League (NHL) and American Hockey League (AHL) levels.
There were a number of rookies that stood out despite losing to the Flames in the first game and the second was no different with some of the same players standing out and a few new ones.
Oilers rookies stood out
There were a number of Oilers rookies that looked very good across both games. Below are the list of players I feel deserve some recognition for their play this weekend.
Matt Savoie
He was arguably the best player on the ice in both games, he is NHL ready showing a high pace of play and incredible vision. He is fast and is willing to show some edge which aligns well with what Oilers executive Kalle Larsson said during the summer on the teams top prospects.
Viljami Marjala
He was not far off from Savoie, he looked as advertised -- a highly skilled player who can make magic happen with the puck on his stick. He was a standout across both games and someone who with some seasoning, could legitimately provide offensive support for the Oilers down the road.
Quinn Hutson
Hutson was named to the NHLPA rookie showcase and we ranked as the No. 10 prospect in the Oilers system and he has proven he needs to be taken seriously as a prospect. He was an exciting player to watch across both games, making crisp passes and creating offence. He looked dangerous with the puck on his stick, running play through him on the power play especially.
Damien Carfagna
The NCAA free agent signing was another player who looked quite good, especially on the power play. He was the main quarterback on the man advantage, moving the puck well and driving play at a high level, he should have a great chance to be a high end offensive play driver at the AHL level with the Bakersfield Condors.
Beau Akey
Despite his struggles last season he looked great as well, he was moving well and playing responsibly showing that he has the tools to be a solid two-way defender at the professional level. He is also meant to join the Condors and should be able to adjust well based on his play here.
Ike Howard
The Oilers newest top prospect showed a lot of positive signs over his first two games in copper and blue. He did not jump out like many expected but he displayed a lot of good professional habits with quicj reads and reactions on the puck. The true test for him will come in the weeks that follow.
Tommy Lafreniere
The Oilers first pick at the 2025 NHL Draft, Lafreniere had some flashes in the first game but looked very well in the second game. He had two goals in the second match by driving to the slot. He may not have the elite skill that a Savoie or Howard has but he has a very high energy and translatable two-way game that was on display this weekend.
Connor Clattenburg
Finally, Clattenburg was able to put himself on the map and win over the hearts and minds of many Oilers fans with his old school style of play. He clearly shows a level of translatability, using his physicaility to punish opposing players and win puck battles but many love hs willingness to drop the gloves.