The Oilers have the opportunity to land a �sleeper' pick

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Dylan Robillard
May 8, 2023 (12:00)

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Although the Edmonton Oilers are out of the NHL Draft Lottery, which is due to their impressive season and Playoffs this year.

It is never to early to look towards the NHL Draft and who the Edmonton Oilers could possibly add, to an already young and talented roster.

Since 2015 the Oilers have definitely seen the luck of the draw, in 2015 winning the lottery and being able to draft league sensation, Connor McDavid. In the past 8 years the Edmonton Oilers have been in the top 10 of the draft 4 times.
This year is a different story, as the team has been able to build around former draft picks and create a powerhouse. All though the draft has a very stacked class, even at the later picks.

The Edmonton Oilers will go without their 1st round pick this year, due to acquiring Mattias Ekholm and a 2024 sixth round pick from the Nashville Predators for Tyson Barrie, Reid Schaefer, a 2023 first round pick, and a 2024 fourth round pick.

Now with that being said, let's take a look into who the Edmonton Oilers could possible take in the upcoming Draft on June 28.

Calum Ritchie, C, Oshawa

Shoots: Right
Height: 6'2
Weight: 187
Birthdate: 2005-01-21

Scouting Report: In Calum Ritchie's draft year he had 59 points in 59 games played. The Oshawa center had 104 points in 2 seasons. This season in the OHL Playoffs, Calum Ritchie, tucked 2 goals and 4 apples in 5 games. The canadien from Oakville, ON is ranked anywhere from 12 to 28 projected in this years draft. Calum Ritchie, would be a great addition to the Edmonton Oilers 3rd and 4th line. Taking over the role of Ryan Mcleod and Kailer Yamamoto, or switching between the three.

Theo Lindstein, D, Brynäs

Shoots: Left
Height: 6'0
Weight: 181
Birthdate: 2005-01-05

Scouting Report: Edmonton needs a strong two-way defenseman, and who better then Theo Lindstein out of Sweden. Lindstein is a powerful skater with a very smooth stride which allows him to backcheck effectively and makes him a dangerous player on the rush. His high hockey IQ makes him a great player, allowing him to find open ice in the offensive zone and anticipate plays well in his own end. There is a lot of hype surrounding Theo coming into the draft, which is no surprise when you spend your seasons between the top junior league in Sweden (J20 Nationell) and the SHL which is one of the very best professional hockey leagues in the world.

Samuel Honzek, C/W, Giants

Shoots: Left
Height: 6'4
Weight: 185
Birthdate: 2004-11-12

Scouting Report: Since joining the Vancouver Giants in 2022, Samuel Honzek, has been their main offensive weapon. Honzek has played a top role in all situations. Earlier this year Samuel Honzek, missed a long stretch due to an injury sustained at the 2023 World Junior Championships. Even though he missed 18 games, he is second in Giants scoring and seventh in points per game average among draft-eligible players in the WHL.

Lukas Dragicevic, D, Americans

Shoots: Right
Height: 6'2
Weight: 190
Birthdate: 2005-04-25

Scouting Report: The top-ranked North American defensive prospect for the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, Lukas Dragicevic, has all the attributes the Edmonton Oilers are looking for in a defenceman. He can be relied upon in his own zone, transition the puck easily and is a strong skater. He can also quarterback a power play, which just adds to an already dominant Oiler power play. A confident player and his play is even more impressive. The 6'2 kid from B.C. only started playing defence full-time during his WHL draft year in 2020.

Oliver Bonk, D, Knights

Shoots: Right
Height: 6'1
Weight: 176
Birthdate: 2005-01-09

Scouting Report: Oliver Bonk, has taken a qualitative jump in his positioning and awareness of on ice situations. He's always had an advanced offensive game and puck skills that allowed him to be confident enough to carry the puck in the neutral zone or make good quick decisions in his outlet passes or carry out in transition. He is excellent in transition, which would fit in great with the Edmonton Oilers fast pace style of play.

Carson Bjarnason, G, Wheat Kings

Glove Hand: Left
Height: 6'3
Weight: 181
Birthdate: 2005-06-30

Scouting Report: While the 2023 NHL Entry Draft is projected to be one of the best in recent history in terms of forwards and defensemen, when it comes to goaltenders there is less excitement. This is nothing surprising, as goaltenders are always longer-term, but typically there are one or two standouts that often find their way into the First Round. Carson Bjarnason, best fits this example. He is considered to be one of the top-rated goalies of the class. In the net, Bjarnason tracks the puck at an elite level, and he understands how to put himself in the right position, while always giving him a chance to make the stop. The Edmonton Oilers already have 2 solid goalies in Skinner and Campbell, but it is never bad to have a back up plan. Especially a goaltender like Bjarnason.