Changes will be coming for the Edmonton Oilers, they cannot enter next season with the same squad that took a step backwards from two consecutive Stanley Cup Finals appearances to a first round exit.
The 2025-26 Oilers limped into the playoffs, with holes and many deficiencies that hung over them, forming an unpenetrable glass ceiling. Their head coach Kris Knoblauch paid the price for a failed season and with that, there is one big takeaway that the Oilers need to come away with; Do not be scared to lean on your young players.
Looking back at the Oilers season, some of the brightest moments during a tumultuous regular season came from the play of their youth. In many instances however, they felt held back by their deployment and usage.
Oilers 2025-26 rookies stood out
Matt Savoie, had very interesting splits despite starting the year slow scoring just 18 points (nine goals, nine assists) in the first 58 games, he broke out post-Olympic break and looked like a new man. He finished the regular season, scoring 19 points (nine goals, 10 assists) in 24 games after the Olympics, putting him on pace for 64 points over a full 82 game season.
Josh Samanski, playing in his first pro season in North America, shot up the Oilers depth chart, becoming a permanent fixture in the club's bottom six down the stretch and into the playoffs. He also had a strong tournament for Germany at the 2026 Winter Olympics. Despite his four points in 24 games not popping off the page, he showed a lot of value as a potential shutdown centre for the future, playing a more defensive matchup role.
There were also a few other rookies who played smaller roles like Isaac Howard, who struggled this season scoring just five points in 29 games but was played in an unadvantageous position. As well, Connor Clattenburg and Quinn Hutson who had cups of coffee with the Oilers and looked interesting in their respective stints.
Which rookies the Oilers should promote
The Oilers should use Howard in a much higher scoring role. He has shown in his time with the Bakersfield Condors, the Oilers AHL affiliate, that his game can translate to a pro environment, scoring 24 goals and 26 assists for 50 points in 47 games. He should get consistent reps in a top-nine scoring role, hopefully with one of the Oilers' stars in Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl.
Along with Howard, fellow Condors linemate, Hutson should get a longer look with the Oilers. He has shown he can score at the pro level scoring 30 goals and 33 assists 63 in 67 games this season with the Condors, following a 50 point in 38 game season the year before with Boston University of the NCAA.
Clattenburg as well should get a further look, showing signs of a potential bottom-six piece, using his gritty style of play to throw the body and agitate opponents. As long as he can chip in a little bit of offence, which he has shown in his junior days notching 35 points (16 goals, 19 assists) in 46 games with the Flint Firebirds in 2024-25 at 19 years old. He could provide value as a fourth line agitator in a permanent role next season.
In addition to them, 23 year old Finnish centre Viljami Marjala had a great rookie season with the Condors amassing 60 points (17 goals, 43 assists) in 72 games. He should be able to provide some depth offence if the Oilers face injuries throughout the season.
Another Finnish free agent signing in 27 year old defenceman Atro Leppenan played in his first pro season in North America after a record setting season in the Liiga. He played in 53 regular season games with the Condors scoring 11 goals and 27 assists for 38 points and could provide some offence from the backend if given a shot with the big club.
Aside from skaters, there are multiple goalies in the Oilers minor league system that have shown plenty of promise. 24 year old Connor Ungar specifically has been impressive since turning pro. He averages a .910 save percentage across 60 starts in the ECHL the past two seasons and a .923 save percentage in 13 games in the AHL. His lights out play should at the very least garner a look in the NHL if the Oilers face injuries.
If the last couple summers are any indication with the acquisitions of Howard and Savoie, it is possible that the Oilers add another young player into the mix to help inject more youth into their lineup.
Add us as a preferred source on Google