Edmonton Oilers top 20 prospects ranking, summer 2026 edition

Stan Bowman has worked hard to improve the Edmonton Oilers’ prospect base. During a period when the organization is dealing first-round selections at every trade deadline, it’s a tough task. Bowman has added talent via college, European and CHL free agency, while also making deals for prospects who can improve the overall pool of emerging players.

The quality of the prospect pool has improved since last summer, but the top-end talent additions are hard to come by without those first-round selections. Edmonton is adding two-way players who are a little shy offensively, but there’s no one close to recently graduated Matt Savoie or soon-to-graduate Ike Howard in the system.

Prospects graduate when playing 50 or more NHL games, so last year’s top prospect (Savoie) doesn’t appear this summer. Also absent from last season’s list:

• No. 2 prospect RH centre Sam O’Reilly, dealt to the Tampa Bay Lightning in the Howard deal (July 2025).
• No. 14 prospect RH centre Noah Philp, lost on waivers to the Carolina Hurricanes (December 2025).
• No. 15 prospect G Olivier Rodrigue, not qualified as an RFA (June 2025).
• No. 18 prospect RW Matvey Petrov, not qualified as an RFA (June 2026).
• No. 19 prospect RD Albin Sundin, relinquished rights (June 2026).

Here’s this summer’s top 20 prospects list. Last summer’s ranking in brackets.

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No. 1 (NR) LW Ike Howard, Bakersfield Condors (AHL)/Edmonton Oilers (NHL)

The Oilers needed a first-shot scorer and badly needed that player to be NHL-ready. That was the primary reason for last summer’s trade of O’Reilly. Howard showed he’s a bona fide scorer with 24 goals in 47 games with the Condors. His 0.51 goals per game led all AHL rookies. Howard began the regular season in the NHL with the Oilers, but was sent back for more work on the finer points of positioning (and to cut down on flying the defensive zone before possession is established). Scouting reports from California were positive, and his work ethic was noted by Condors coach Colin Chaulk.

Howard posted two goals and five points in 29 NHL games, but those totals are misleading. In 10 minutes with Leon Draisaitl at five-on-five, Howard scored a goal. He’s bona fide and ready; the only things stopping him are a summer trade (O’Reilly was dealt for Howard last summer; it could happen again) or new coach Mike Babcock preferring a veteran.

No. 2 (3) G Samuel Jonsson, Fort Wayne Komets (ECHL)

Jonsson has posted two quality seasons in a row across two professional leagues. He’s 22, 6-foot-5 and 201 pounds. That’s the goalie size the Oilers prefer, and Jonsson’s performances since his draft day suggest he’s on a trajectory to the NHL despite being a fifth-round draft pick in 2024. In 2024-25, he won goalie of the year in the Allsvenskan courtesy of a strong .922 save percentage, and last year’s .910 save percentage in Fort Wayne earned him the starting job in a competitive field. Jonsson may return to the Komets this fall, but fans should see him in Bakersfield some time next season.

No. 3 (7) LD Damien Carfagna, Bakersfield Condors (AHL)

Signed at the end of March 2025, Carfagna has managed to stay under the radar for over a year. That should change this fall after an outstanding rookie pro season in Bakersfield. He showed impressive speed and mobility and was the team’s best coverage defenceman based on numbers. At even strength, his pairing owned a goal share of 53-40 (57 percent) on a club with only one other regular defender over 50 percent. He scored well (7-15-22 in 66 games) with five goals and 18 points during even-strength minutes. The Oilers have a new coach, and Carfagna’s size (6-foot, 185 pounds) is the only downbeat on a pristine resume. He should see the NHL in 2026-27.

No. 4 (4) LW Maxim Berezkin, Yaroslavl Lokomotiv (KHL)

The Oilers have a big (6-foot-4, 211 pounds) power forward who emerged as a quality player in the KHL over the past three seasons. He’s 24 and about to enter his prime as a player. Berezkin has scored 74 points in his most recent 130 games. His team has won the championship (Gagarin Cup) twice in those two seasons, with Berezkin contributing heavily. He has soft hands, can win battles with brains and brawn and should be at an NHL camp this fall. The problem? Oilers can’t sign him. The young winger signed a two-year extension in the spring, and the Oilers are unable to tap a valuable asset.

No. 5 (8) RW Tommy Lafreniere, Kamloops Blazers (WHL) and Bakersfield Condors (AHL)

If you’re looking for the best candidate for the “next Zach Hyman” among Oilers prospects, Lafreniere would be a good choice. He has a non-stop motor and is a hard worker. His junior season (41 goals in 67 games) showed a handsome spike in goals and a greater on-ice presence offensively. What should make the Oilers most excited is a fantastic five-game audition with the Condors in the spring. He scored 1-1-2 and was 2-1 goals even strength, with his energy and work ethic on display every shift. Lafreniere doesn’t turn 20 until next January and is headed for the NCAA at Western Michigan this fall. In a prospect pool with very few sparks, Lafreniere is someone to get excited about for Oilers fans.

No. 6 (17) LC Josh Samanski, Bakersfield Condors (AHL) and Edmonton Oilers (NHL)

Samanski was outstanding in Bakersfield last season, winning the No. 1 centre job and playing big minutes in all situations. His utility (centre or wing on a scoring or checking line) provided a major boost for the Condors. Most of his production (8-23-31 in 45 games) came at even strength, and he was the defensive conscience on all of his lines. His even-strength share of goals (53 percent) was among the best of Bakersfield’s forwards.

A move to the NHL saw his offensive output fade. His 1.00 points per 60 in 24 games is strictly fourth-line production. However, Samanski showed well as an outscorer (55 percent goal share, 54 percent expected). For a young player (24) who played in the German league in 2024-25, Samanski’s emergence as an NHL talent is impressive.

No. 7 (9) LW David Lewandowski, Saskatoon Blades (WHL) and Bakersfield Condors (AHL)

Lewandowski didn’t spike at the same level as Lafreniere this season, but there are signs he could emerge as a strong skill winger at the pro level. His 48 assists in 57 WHL games is a clear indication of playmaking ability, and he has a plus shot. His two-way play remained strong last season. He’s a bigger player (6-foot-2, 177 pounds and just 19) who could dominate junior hockey or turn pro next season and play for the Condors.

No. 8 (12) RW Quinn Hutson, Bakersfield Condors (AHL) and Edmonton Oilers (NHL)

Hutson was an impact player in the AHL as a rookie pro. He led AHL freshmen in goals and finished second in points. He was first in the league in power-play goals and assists. Hutson delivered a 50 percent goal share at even strength despite hitting a wall in the second half, something many college players experience in their first season in the league. Hutson played four NHL games and looked like he belonged, and scored his first NHL goal. Hutson has a range of skills and should be considered the top right-wing recall option entering camp. At 24, his time to push for the NHL is now. Edmonton has a sliver of room available at his position, and a new coach looking for aggressive players with two-way acumen. Hutson has a chance.

No. 9 (11) LD Paul Fischer, Notre Dame (NCAA)

Fischer was part of the return from the St. Louis Blues in the dual offer sheet (Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway) in what was a risky deal for Bowman. For his part, Fischer has delivered handsomely, scoring 6-17-23 in 33 college games one year ago. He’s undersized for a defenceman (6-foot, 183 pounds), but at 21, he has emerged as a talented puck-moving defender. He’s an excellent skater, has two-way ability and is a noted shot blocker. Fischer is entering his senior season this fall with Notre Dame, and the Oilers missed an opportunity to sign him this spring. Bowman could help balance a trade with St. Louis that looked ghastly if Edmonton can get Fischer signed before he hits free agency next spring. He will be a free agent on June 1, 2027, unless signed.

No. 10 (10) LC William Nicholl, London Knights (OHL) and Bakersfield Condors (AHL)

Nicholl was a “draft and follow” selection by the Oilers in 2024. Drafted in the seventh round that summer, there’s no way the Oilers scouts would have seen his complete skill set because Nicholl didn’t play much on a deep London team. In the seasons that followed, Nicholl played a more prominent role (when healthy) and graduated from junior hockey this spring with a real chance to play in the NHL. His foot speed and two-way awareness are well developed; the young forward proved it with a strong five-game audition in Bakersfield this spring. The Oilers have a promising young forward, and it will be interesting to see if the club uses him at centre and on the penalty kill this fall and winter in Bakersfield. Nicholl has a chance to play bottom-six minutes in the NHL if he continues to develop.

No. 11 (20) LD Asher Barnett, Michigan (NCAA)

The work done by the scouting staff at the 2025 draft could feed the Oilers in the future at several positions. Forwards Lafreniere and Lewandowski have some company in fifth-round pick Barnett. Drafted out of the UHSL, he was splendid as a freshman with Michigan in 2025-26. Barnett has speed, size and bite, and has improved as a passer and puck mover. He’s the third defenceman listed this summer, but might be the best blueliner on this list when all is said and done.

No. 12 (16) G Eemil Vinni, JoKP (Mestis) and Ketterä (Mestis)

Vinni has the kind of size NHL teams value in goaltenders. At 6-foot-3, 187 pounds, he turned 20 in December and spiked while on loan with Ketterä this season. He delivered a .951 save percentage during the regular season and .943 in the postseason. He’s described as an aggressive goaltender who ranges well outside his crease to make it more difficult for shooters off the rush. Vinni could be a couple of years away from an appearance in North America. Edmonton has to sign him by June 1, 2028, to retain his rights.

No. 13 (6) LW Roby Jarventie, Bakersfield Condors (AHL) and Edmonton Oilers (NHL)

Over the second half of the 2026-27 season, Jarventie was the best forward on the Condors team. His overall boxcar numbers for the season (23-24-47 in 61 games) included an impressive even-strength goal share (54 percent) and the most consistent offence on the team. Jarventie saw a brief recall (four games), and the Oilers qualified him to retain his rights. Jarventie signed in Europe in May and is slated to play for HC Ambri Piotta of the National (Swiss) League. He did the same thing a year ago, but the Oilers came calling with a contract offer he accepted. Based on the high quality of Jarventie’s play in 2025-26, it might take a one-way deal to ensure a return to the organization.

No. 14 (NR) LC Rudolfs Berzkalns, Muskegon Lumberjacks (USHL)

Berzkalns is something special in every aspect of the game, save for offence. As a centre, he’s a fully formed checker who plays responsibly and has great awareness. Great in the faceoff dot, impressive in coverage and able to physically dominate along the wall and in puck battles. He skates well and has terrific size (6-foot-4, 204 pounds) for his age (18). The only question is offence, and with the Oilers coming off a strong 2025 draft, it’s possible the organization finds a way to unlock more goal production. Even if he can’t deliver strong offence, he should play in the NHL as a depth centre.

No. 15 (5) RD Beau Akey, Bakersfield Condors (AHL)

Akey has draft pedigree compared to most Oilers prospects currently. A second-round selection in 2023, his skating is exceptional, and he’s an excellent passer. Akey’s issues are injuries (a major injury wiped out his draft-plus one season, and he missed an extended period last season) and size. At 6 feet, 173 pounds, he may not be able to endure the physical rigours of the pro game. In 42 games last season, he scored 2-8-10 in all game situations and posted a 57 percent goal share at even strength. The Oilers have a terrific young defenceman when Akey is healthy, but his rank reflects suspect availability due to injury concerns.

No. 16 (NR) RC Owen Michaels, Western Michigan University (NCAA)

Right-handed centres are unicorns in the NHL, so when the Oilers signed Michaels, it was big news. Described as a quality skater who can take care of the defensive aspects of the game, he projects as a bottom-six centre upon NHL arrival. Michaels’ resume includes some offensive potential, and he’ll likely spend most or all of next season with Bakersfield. He does play a valuable position and shoots right, so if he shows he can impact the game in Bakersfield, a recall to the Oilers during the 2026-27 season is possible.

No. 17 (13) C-W Viljami Marjala, Bakersfield Condors (AHL)

Marjala surprised with his impressive skills in his first AHL season. He scored well throughout the year, posting 72, 17-43-60 numbers during the regular season. He improved markedly as an outscorer in the second half. Through the end of December, he was on the ice for 41 percent (15-22) of the even-strength goals, but improved to 50 percent (32-32) over the rest of the season. Marjala was smoking hot in the playoffs, scoring six assists in three games. He’ll need to win more battles, and the Oilers have plenty of playmaking forwards, but Marjala increased his chances with a fine season.

No. 18 (NR) LW Connor Clattenburg, Bakersfield Condors (AHL) and Edmonton Oilers (NHL)

Clattenburg was a revelation and a victory for the Oilers’ amateur scouting department. Drafted in the fifth round of the 2024 draft, Clattenburg was categorized as a one-dimensional agitating winger who could disrupt opposition and handle himself in fights. Turns out, Clattenburg has good hands for a player who gained attention for rugged play, and he scored in preseason and fired a marker in a five-game NHL audition, too. At the AHL level, he was hurt often and scored just twice in 32 games there. He’ll need to stay healthy, but his energy level and aggressive play will get noticed in training camp by Babcock. His NHL trajectory is surprisingly strong based on player type. He’s an outlier who defies the math.

No. 19 (NR) LD Nikita Yevseyev, Khabarovsk Amur (KHL)

Another intriguing Russian, Yevseyev has made incremental improvement since being drafted by the Oilers in the sixth round of the 2022 draft. At this point, he’s playing 19 minutes per game in the KHL, has scored 4-12-16 in 61 games and had a 36-28 even-strength goal share (56 percent). That total led the team. He’s 22 and has the potential to play in the NHL, but only if he signs in the next few seasons. Like Berezkin, the success of Yevseyev is both encouraging and frustrating, because no one knows if he’ll ever sign with Edmonton.

No. 20 (NR) G Connor Ungar, Fort Wayne Komets (ECHL) and Bakersfield Condors (AHL)

He’s a smaller goalie, and the bias against that player type is universal across the NHL. That said, the results in 2026-27 were outstanding, and that performance earned Ungar a contract for the coming season. Ungar is 24, and despite strong showings with Bakersfield (.923 save percentage in 13 games) isn’t on the NHL radar at this time. He’ll need to force his way past more heralded and bigger goaltenders to make it, but his ability to stop pucks may force the issue.