Edmonton Oilers prospects face challenges in latest elite prospects rankings
In the ever-evolving world of hockey, the trajectory of a young player can fluctuate as dramatically as the sport itself.
Elite Prospects' latest ranking of the top 100 NHL prospects did not deliver encouraging news for the Edmonton Oilers, with a distinct dip in the standings of their most notable young talents.
Matthew Savoie, the Oilers' top prospect and the 9th overall pick from the 2022 Draft, has been positioned at 74th, a stark decline from his previous ranking at 41st. Savoie, a player with a history of impressive junior performances including a 90-point season at just 17, seems to have faced setbacks this year. His journey through the season was marred by injuries and constant team changes, from an initial stint with the Wenatchee Wild to an injury-riddled game for the Buffalo Sabres, followed by movements between the AHL and WHL's Moose Jaw Warriors.
The narrative isn't much brighter for Beau Akey, the Oilers' second-round pick in 2023, who ranks 97th, down from 92nd last year. Akey's season was significantly shortened by a severe shoulder injury requiring surgery, limiting him to just 14 games with the Barrie Colts. Despite these challenges, Akey's potential as a six-foot-tall right-shot defenseman and a smooth-skating two-way player remains promising.
The drop in rankings for both players can be attributed to an influx of elite, younger talent entering the prospect pool and the injury setbacks that limited their ability to showcase their full capabilities. Despite these hurdles, the future still holds potential. Savoie, in particular, displayed his resilience by leading the Moose Jaw Warriors to a championship, a testament to his skill and leadership under pressure.
Across the NHL, the rankings highlight the emergence of notable prospects like Macklin Celebrini of the San Jose Sharks, who topped the list, followed by Matvei Michkov of the Philadelphia Flyers and Ivan Demidov of the Montreal Canadiens. Such rankings offer a snapshot of the shifting landscapes within NHL teams' prospect pools, reflecting both the unpredictability and the high stakes of nurturing young talent.
For the Edmonton Oilers, the journey of their young prospects like Savoie and Akey underscores the unpredictable nature of sports where potential is abundant but the path is fraught with challenges. As they aim for recovery and consistency, the upcoming seasons will be crucial for them to stabilize their careers and possibly make their mark in the NHL.
Source: Elite Prospects
The Top 100 Ranking NHL Affiliated Skaters
| POLL | ||
Is it likely that Matthew Savoie will participate in Edmonton Oilers games this season? | ||
| Yes | 41 | 91.1 % |
| No | 4 | 8.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
