The National Hockey League Players Associations’ (NHLPA) rookie showcase roster was announced on Tuesday. The event is set to be held on September 3rd at the Washington Capitals’ practice facility.
There are 30 players chosen to participate with most teams sending one player. The representative chosen from the Edmonton Oilers may surprise you.
Full list below: pic.twitter.com/7w8qU5Yxng
— Marco D'Amico (@mndamico) August 26, 2025
The Rookie Showcase is an annual event held by the NHLPA to show off the upcoming wave of future NHL talent. Last year in 2024, Olivier Rodrigue went to the Rookie Showcase as a member of the Oilers and the year before was Xavier Bourgault, in 2023 as a member of the Oilers. Both are no logner with the organization so maybe attending this event is a bad omen for the Oilers rookie.
The Oilers prospect that will be going to the rookie showcase next month is none other than 2025 college free agent signing, Quinn Hutson. He is the older brother of Montreal Canadiens standout defenceman and the NHL’s (rookie of the year) Calder Trophy winner; Lane Hutson.
This event will provide Hutson the opportunity for a lot of media coverage involving the 23 year old, giving him the chance to be interviewed, providing quotes and having his photo taken in Oilers gear.
Although the team went with Hutson there are a number of other players who could have been chosen like 2025 NHL Draft picks; Tommy Lafreniere and David Lewandowski. Additionally, prospects who are set to turn pro in the Oilers system this year like; Viljami Marjala, Beau Akey, and Josh Samanski. All three are set to play for the team’s American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Bakersfield Condors.
The club could have even chosen the newly acquired top prospect and another collegiate standout, Ike Howard. They could have went with last season’s big acquisition; Matt Savoie.
Who is Quinn Hutson?
However, Hutson is a good choice because he has already had a taste of NHL action and should be at least a call-up option this season with a legitimate shot at making the Oilers roster.
If you are unfamiliar, the oldest Hutson, attended Boston University for three seasons before being signed to an entry-level contract (ELC) by the Oilers in the spring. He put together a spectacular career in the NCAA, winning a Hockey East championship while compiling an impressive scoring record of 56 goals, 58 assists for 114 points in 117 games with the Terriers. His final year was his best, amassing 50 points (23 goals, 27 assists) in 38 games.
His exceptional play and consistent developmental progress year-over-year made him a highly coveted free agent when his collegiate season ended. Likely fielding many offers from other clubs, Hutson chose the Oilers.
He was given a two-game cup of coffee with the club to end the regular season, allowing him to make his NHL debut. Although he was held off the scoresheet in his short stint, he showed the club’s brass where he is at in his development and how close he is to the NHL.
It is always hard to project NCAA players and how they will turn out, especially when they are signed at 23. However, given the club’s need for cost effective depth to supplement their star players, Hutson has a decent shot at making the NHL. He plays a skilled game which should match well with the roster and I think after some seasoning in the AHL, he could be ready to be an effective depth scorer someday in the not-so-distant future.