The Edmonton Oilers are on a mission to bolster their roster, but where do they find the hidden gems? The Oilers' general manager, Stan Bowman, has been on a scouting spree, diving into the college, junior, and European talent pools. This strategic move has already paid dividends, with the AHL's Bakersfield Condors showcasing a high-octane offense and a solid playoff contender status. But here's where it gets intriguing: the Oilers' top-20 prospects list this winter reveals a wealth of potential (https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6860320/2025/12/07/edmonton-oilers-top-20-prospects-ranking-winter-2025/).
Bowman's bold strategy of targeting undrafted free agents has been a game-changer. The signings of AHL All-Star right-winger Quinn Hutson, top-four defenseman Damien Carfagna (both college standouts), and European stars Josh Samanski, Viljami Marjala, and Atro Leppanen have transformed the Condors. These additions have made an immediate impact, with several players already knocking on the NHL's door. Hutson, in particular, has made his mark with four NHL games under his belt this season.
When combined with drafted players like Beau Akey and Connor Clattenburg, the Oilers have undergone a remarkable transformation in just one year. But the work isn't done yet; Bowman must continue his quest for talent.
Several unsigned prospects are on the Oilers' radar, each with unique qualities. Maxim Berezkin, a power winger with skill, has expressed interest in joining Edmonton. Despite a slightly less productive season, he could be NHL-ready after an impressive Gagarin Cup win with Yaroslavl Lokomotiv (KHL). Nikita Yevseyev, a solid KHL defenseman, is another left-handed option, averaging 19 minutes per game. The Oilers' defense is already strong on the left, but depth is crucial.
William Nicholl, a speedy forward for the London Knights (OHL), has shown promise since being drafted in 2024. After an injury-plagued first half, he's back and could turn pro soon. Paul Fischer, a mobile defenseman for Notre Dame (Big Ten), is a skilled skater with exceptional passing and shot-blocking abilities. He's a junior college player this season, but his potential is evident.
Other candidates include Swedish defenseman Albin Sundin and Finnish goalie Eemil Vinni. However, with a surplus of goaltenders, the Oilers might opt to keep Sundin in Sweden's top league (SweHL) for another season.
College players are also on the Oilers' radar. Nathan Pilling, a 6-foot-4, 209-pound center at the University of St. Thomas (CCHA), is having a stellar freshman season. His connection to Edmonton, through his grandfather Gregg Pilling, who played for the Oil Kings 60 years ago, makes him an appealing prospect. The Oilers could benefit from his size and local ties (https://www.nhl.com/news/undrafted-players-to-watch-in-ncaa-hockey).
Mac Gadowsky, a 6-foot-3, 190-pound left-handed defenseman at Penn State, is another intriguing prospect. His offensive production has dipped this season, but his strong, smart defensive play and aggressive style align with the Oilers' needs. He could follow in Carfagna's footsteps, who is already making waves in Bakersfield.
The upcoming Olympics will be a showcase for NHL hopefuls. Jiri Tichacek of Karpat Oulu could be a standout for Czechia, potentially leading to an NHL opportunity. Daniil Aimurzin, a 23-year-old KHL forward with a notable plus shot, has caught the eye of prospect experts (https://x.com/ByronMBader/status/2001037879733010828). His scoring prowess makes him an attractive target for the Oilers.
Goalie depth is a priority, but the Oilers' current pro depth chart is crowded with trending prospects. Connor Ingram, acquired from the Utah Mammoth, is pushing for more playing time, leading Edmonton's goalies in save percentage (.907) this season. Connor Ungar, once loaned out to the ECHL, is now a standout in Bakersfield with a jaw-dropping .955 save percentage. He could earn an NHL audition this season.
The Oilers have their star players, but it's the complementary talent that completes the puzzle. With the 2025-26 Bakersfield roster in flux due to free agency and graduations, Bowman's shopping list is taking shape.
The Condors have three goaltenders signed for next season, including prospects Samuel Jonsson and Nathan Day, who will vie for AHL action this season and push for Bakersfield jobs in 2026-27. Veteran Matt Tomkins is likely to stay for another year. The status of Connor Ungar, a restricted free agent, is a developing story that could impact the Oilers' future. And with several unsigned prospects and potential signings, the Oilers have a busy offseason ahead.
On defense, Beau Akey and Damien Carfagna are young prospects with entry-level deals who are expected to make their NHL debuts next season. Veterans Josh Brown and Riley Stillman will provide experience in the AHL. Atro Leppanen and Cam Dineen's futures are uncertain, while Paul Fischer and Nikita Yevseyev are less likely signings.
At center, the Oilers must decide on UFA James Hamblin, a valuable AHL player but lacking NHL-level size and offense. Josh Samanski and Viljami Marjala are also in the mix, with Marjala showing significant improvement during the AHL season. A center with size and skill, like Nathan Pilling, could be a perfect fit.
The Oilers' wingers are a mix of NHL-ready players like Ike Howard and Quinn Hutson, and prospects like Connor Clattenburg, James Stefan, and Brady Stonehouse. RFA Roby Jarventie is likely to be re-signed, while Maxim Berezkin and William Nicholl could earn entry-level deals. Daniil Aimurzin is another quality signing candidate with NHL potential.
The Oilers' recent history with free-agent signings has been a mixed bag. They once dominated the market, signing players like Justin Schultz, Matt Benning, and Drake Caggiula. However, Ken Holland's more conservative approach led to AHL-only deals, limiting their chances with top talent. Despite this, players like Hamblin and Vincent Desharnais still found NHL success.
Bowman's signing spree in 2025 marked a strategic shift. The success of undrafted free agents like Hutson, Carfagna, Samanski, and Marjala could be the start of a new era for the Oilers in talent recruitment. With the new season approaching, the Oilers have a golden opportunity to build on their recent success and create a powerhouse roster.
