Oilers prospect could potentially crack the starting roster

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Finnegan Frost
September 16, 2024 (4:46 PM)

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The Oilers have arguably the most electrifying offensive players in the NHL - and they will for the next decade.

While that's all fine and dandy for the fans, it definitely puts extra pressure on the Oilers prospects who are a long shot at making the team. But thats not relevant for prospect Lane Pederson who has made a name for himself during the early stages of training camp.

According to the Hockey Writers, Matt Savoie and Raphael Lavoie could both crack the lineup depending on how they perform during training camp, but Lane Pederson is someone else who could be rewarded for his strong 2023-24 season with the Bakersfield Condors in the American Hockey League (AHL). He doesn't have much experience in the NHL having only played 71 games, but his AHL success could earn him a fourth-line role with the Oilers to start the season.

In 66 games with the Condors last season, he scored 22 goals and added 30 assists for 52 points which comes out to a 0.84 points-per-game average. Throughout his AHL career, he has played 293 games, scored 106 goals, and added 112 assists for 218 points which comes out to a 0.74 points-per-game average. He is a strong two-way forward who hasn't earned a full-time opportunity at the NHL level because of his inconsistency, but Kane being out could give Pederson yet another chance to prove he is worthy of being a bottom-six producer.

Although there will be some stiff competion regarding Matthew Savoie and Raffy Lavoie, don't count out Pederson just yet. His strong AHL play and his steady offensive pedigree makes him a prime candidate for a bottom 6 role.

source: The Hokey Writers