Recently the NHL released the Edmonton Oilers top prospects list, specifically highlighting the top 5, according to them. They used quotes from Oilers Senior Director of Player Development, Kalle Larsson to provide insight into each prospect.
Larsson was very candid in his evaluations and provided some very good quotes on each player. That is what I am mainly pointing out today, as well as what NHL.com deems as each player’s arrival to the NHL.
In order, the website listed: Matthew Savoie, Ike Howard, Beau Akey, Maxim Beryozkin, and Roby Jarventie as the clubs top 5. This deviates from some lists but includes some of the most common names that are deemed high within their much improved pool by public consensus.
Matt Savoie
When speaking on top prospect forward Matt Savoie, Larsson unsurprisingly said "He's willing to do what it takes to make it to the NHL and he's going to get a good chance to show what he's got." This was to be expected, the assumption heading into this off-season and training camp is that Savoie is going to be battling for a spot on the Oilers roster.
Larsson also made an interesting remark about Savoie's projection as a pro. He said "I think with his first year in pro, he showed that he's not just a one-trick pony, he's not just an offensive guy”. This shows that the Oilers seem pleased with his progression and like what he has to offer outside of his offense. So, it sounds like the Oilers brass does not only project him in a sheltered offensive role but expects him to be able to play up and down the lineup and provide value.
Ike Howard
Larsson, when speaking on Howard labelled him as a “shoot-first player.” He later fleshed out his thoughts on the Hobey Baker winner “He can also make plays and can really skate, but his ability to find soft spots and finish are what stands out." This to me seems to indicate that they plan to put him in a good role to score, likely within their top-six, which is fitting given the high expectations for the new acquisition.
Both Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl have proven their abilities to drive lines and create offense at an elite rate, so Howard could realistically play on either line. This perception of Howard within the organization is good because it means he will be put in an advantageous position. However, the lack of quotes speaking about his off-puck game seems to point to the fact that they view Savoie as a much more versatile piece, which speaks volumes given the public perception of him.
Beau Akey
It is fascinating that they have Akey this high, given his injury struggles that have plagued him the past couple years. However, given the lack of high end depth within the Oilers system, it makes sense that there is a desire to keep him high given his potential ceiling.
What is more fascinating is Larsson’s view of the Oilers top defensive prospect. "In junior hockey he was a two-way defenseman, leaning a little bit more towards offense. I think in pro, he'll be a two-way defenseman that will need to be more reliable defensively." I am not sure that I fully agree with his assessment but I think I understand where the executive is coming from. At the pro level, he likely will not be given the chances on the man advantage and on offense at 5-on-5 that he received in juniors.
The thing that made Akey such an attractive prospect was the potential for him to breakout offensively and add another layer with the puck. His standout trait is his excellent skating, he is a very mobile blueliner, using his feet well in all three zones. I also believe Akey has a solid defensive foundation to his game but I would agree that the right-handed defender likely will not be competing with Evan Bouchard for top powerplay time in the future.
Maxim Beryozkin
After winning the Gagarin Cup this past year with Lokomotiv Yaroslavl, there seemed to be some hope within the Oilers fanbase that the Russian winger would sign his entry-level contract to come to North America this year. That did not happen but according to Larsson, the club is not worried and likes his projectability into their lineup.
“He's already playing pro so if he comes in, he would be a potential top-nine forward.” … “I think we have high hopes for him to come over." Larsson said. This means that a high end executive within the organization believes he will be an NHL contributor right away and that they believe he will come over.
The next time Beryozkin can make the jump is next year, when his contract expires at the end of the season. Unfortunately, if Lokomotiv has a deep run again, the Oilers may not see their prized prospect until the following season with the KHL championship not coming until late May.
Roby Jarventie
Jarventie has struggled through injuries the past couple years, putting the once highly regarded prospect’s NHL career in doubt. He was held to only two games with the Oilers AHL affiliate, the Bakersfield Condors last year after being acquired over the off-season.
When speaking about his injury Larsson provided a unique and positive viewpoint “Some players come back from injury better than they were before because they worked on some things they otherwise would not have worked on”. This not only pours some water on the fears that he will have taken steps back.
“When we traded for him, we were really excited because he was one of the top prospects in the world and we hope he still is”. This seems to point to the fact that the Oilers still hold Jarventie in high regard and still hope that he will someday have a spot in the NHL lineup down the road. NHL.com puts his NHL projected arrival date at 2027-28, which given he is 23 already would make him 25. Personally, I think 2026-27 makes more sense if he can put together a fully healthy campaign with his usual production and shows signs of growth outside of that.