3 intriguing Oilers prospects who should make the jump in 2024-25

Olivier Rodrigue could be a season away from the NHL level

Once listed as a prospect the Oilers could have sold at the trade deadline, they will instead be better off keeping Olivier Rodrigue around. Goaltender Stuart Skinner could use a backup, or ideally, a 1B, and Rodrigue has become reliable enough in Bakersfield to warrant serious consideration. 

Rodrigue's numbers show off his continual improvement, as he now has a 0.918 save percentage in Bakersfield and a 2.67 GAA to go with 15 wins. If he ends the year by posting similar numbers, Rodrigue could prove to at least get an extended look in an NHL training camp next season. 

Current backup Calvin Pickard will be an unrestricted free agent, so Edmonton has created the perfect storm for the former second-round pick. This doesn’t mean Holland won’t bring in another goaltender (or bring back Pickard) to compete with Rodrigue regardless of what the 23-year-old does for the rest of the season in Bakersfield, but there is a good chance he gets an inside track to the backup job. 

Should the Oilers keep Rodrigue in their system, there is a good chance that he will reward them next season if he finally makes the jump to the NHL. Edmonton has been patient with him, and that patience might just pay off.