Prospect breakdown: Sam O'Reilly
The Edmonton Oilers are considered one of the oldest team's in the league this year, but they have managed to bring in some promising young blood into the organization.
The Oilers are currently stuck in "win now" mode. The team has traded so many 1st round picks over the past few years, there is a growing concern amongst fans that the Oilers prospect pool has been depleted. With that being said, the Oilers traded their way into the 1st round during the 2024 NHL Entry Draft and scooped up an absolute stud.
As per Oilers Nation, They swapped a top 12 protected 2025 first-round pick to the Philadelphia Flyers for their 32nd pick in the first round of the 2024 draft, promptly selecting Sam O'Reilly from the London Knights of the OHL.
O'Reilly comes in attempting to fill a hole that has pervaded the Edmonton Oilers for years: the right shot-centre who can contribute on the score sheet. Many observers (people will know from my social media posts of my position) wondered why Ken Holland chose Dylan Holloway over Dawson Mercer in the 2020 draft. Mercer, with his size, position and handedness, would have filled that role.
O'Reilly also had an impressive showing during the Young Stars Classic Tournament in Penticton. BC. Although the young guns went 0-4, hockey analysts have reported that Sam O'Reilly was arguably the most notable player on the ice.
All in all, The Oilers did a great job bringing O'Reilly in. He will spend a few years developing in the CHL and AHL systems before eventually being a shoe-in to crack the team.
source: Oilers Nation
Oilers Prospect Countdown #2: Sam O'Reilly
| POLL | ||
Was O'Reilly a great pick? | ||
| Yes | 51 | 89.5 % |
| No | 6 | 10.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
