Hello everyone and welcome to another Friday.

Today I want to discuss some of the Edmonton Oilers prospects, specifically the five that I believe are the most exciting. This isn't to necessarily say these are the best prospects or are all guaranteed NHLers but the ones who I believe have the highest ceiling moving forward. Enjoy

#6 Ryan McLeod - Drafted 40th overall - 2018 NHL Draft

The 6'3 200lb centre has intrigued Oilers fans since he stepped onto the ice for training camp prior to the 18/19 season and nearly made the team out of camp (a testament to how poor the forward depth was at that time). Nevertheless, McLeod dazzled with skilled puck handling and a fast north/south game.

Now 21 years old, McLeod is currently playing in the second best Swiss league for Zug EV and has posted a 3-4-7 boxscore in 11 games. Best I can tell he is also on the second PP unit. Despite being one of the youngest player on the team, McLeod sits third in team scoring.

His size combined with his blazing speed certainly points to him having a strong NHL career but I believe he may be better suited on this team as a winger than a centre. McLeod has great offensive instincts but lacks at times on the defensive side. Moving to wing would leave the young man with much more room to breakout.

SEAN'S NHL CEILING PROJECTION: Third Line Centre, Middle Six Winger

#5 Dylan Holloway - Drafted 14th overall - 2020 NHL Draft

The newest toy for the Edmonton Oilers, drafted in the first round this off-season by Ken Holland. Holloway put up huge numbers in the AJHL before moving to college to play for the University of Wisconsin in his draft year. On his team were the likes of Cole Caufield and Alex Turcotte, high end draft selections from the year prior. Holloway played away from these players, centering his own line, finishing 8th in team scoring; fine numbers for a freshman.

Holloway played two games for Wisconsin so far this year, putting up two goals before being invited to join Team Canada for the selection camp for the World Juniors. Holloway will certainly make this team and be an impact player.

Holloway was scouted as a jack of all trades player; a bigger man who can skate exceptionally well and doesn't shy away from the tough areas of the ice. It is much more likely a matter of when as opposed to if Holloway will have an NHL career.

SEAN'S NHL CEILING PROJECTION: Top Six Winger

#4 Ilya Konovalov - Drafted 85th overall - 2019 NHL Draft

The first unique thing about Konovalov is his 5'11 frame which is unlike the typical NHL goaltender of today. While not big, Konovalov makes up for it with his athleticism. He is quick and agile with a strong glove hand.

Currently in 9 games this season, Konovalov is rocking a 0.927SV% for Yaroslavl Lokomotiv with a 2.19GAA. Last season marked the biggest dip in the young netminders career with a 0.912SV%. The year before that he posted a 0.930SV% so his recent numbers are a positive sign.

At 22 years of age we are likely at least another 2-3 years before seeing Konovalov even be considered for any NHL games. There are a number of other goalies in the Oilers system such as Oliver Rodrigue and Stuart Skinner who both have high potential as well but the small Russian in my opinion has the greatest upside.

SEAN'S NHL CEILING PROJECTION: NHL Backup, Challenge for Starter

#3 Philip Broberg - Drafted 8th overall - 2019 NHL Draft

The first thing you need to know about Broberg is the same thing as many of the Ken Holland drafted players on this list have; bigger man who skates exceptionally well. The big Swede not only moves up and down the bigger ice with ease, but he handles the puck very well and can transition on the fly.

It is difficult to discuss offense with Broberg because of the nature of the Swedish Hockey League. Klefbom, for example posted 1-1-2 numbers in the SEL in his draft year and was selected 19th overall. Through 22 games playing for Skelleftea AIK this season, Broberg has posted 2-5-7 numbers. A year ago for the same team he posted 1-7-8 in 45 games. Clearly we are seeing growth.

Once Broberg enters the NHL he will easily be the best skating defender on the Oilers backend, replacing the title that would currently go to Darnell Nurse. His transition game, smooth skating and elite vision likely gives him the highest ceiling of any of the Oilers current prospects even though the point totals may not be there.


SEAN'S NHL CEILING PROJECTION: #1 Defenseman

#2 Evan Bouchard - Drafted 10th Overall - 2018 NHL Draft

Personally I do not believe that Evan Bouchard will be a true top pairing defenseman but this list isn't about who necessarily projects the highest. There may be a future where Broberg is playing 25+ minutes a night with Bouchard playing 19 but Bouchard could still be classified as the more exciting player.

The simple reason is that Evan Bouchard produces points and no matter which league he is playing in that has remained. His 36 points in 54 games in his first season of the AHL was on par with the likes of what Roman Josi and John Carlson did. Currently Bouchard has posted 6-10-16 in 21 games playing overseas for Sodertalje SK which is fourth in total scoring and first among defencemen.

This season Tyson Barrie will be the man quarterbacking the Oilers top unit powerplay but I believe as early as 21/22 that job will belong to Bouchard. This is a player who has the potential to put up 60+ point seasons in the NHL which is why he snags the #2 spot.

SEAN'S NHL CEILING PROJECTION: Top Four Defenseman

#1 Raphael Lavoie - Drafted 38th overall - 2019 NHL Draft

It should be no surprise by now how much I value goal scoring and offensive production and Raphael Lavoie certainly brings that. This kid has the potential to be the best pure sniper the Oilers have enlisted since Jordan Eberle.

Lavoie scores goals. His elite vision and accuracy made him one of the deadliest snipers in the QMJHL. In 217 games in the Q, Lavoie posted 106 goals. Currently Lavoie is overseas playing in the second best Swedish league having posted 11 goals in 21 games to lead his team in scoring as a 20 year old.

Had COVID not happened, Lavoie would have spent all of this season in the AHL and it would've been very informative to see how he handled a pro season there. When he inevitably makes the jump to the NHL he should do so immediately next to Draisaitl or McDavid. I believe Oilers fans could see this kid scoring multiple 30 goal seasons in blue and orange.

SEAN'S NHL CEILING PROJECTION: Top Line Winger

Thanks for reading!