Oilers' hidden gem: Maximus Wanner might just make the cut
It's a rarity in the NHL to see seventh-round draft picks make significant strides towards an NHL roster, but the Edmonton Oilers seem to have cracked the code.
This year, another underdog, Maximus Wanner, is poised to battle for his spot during the Oilers' training camp, hinting at a potentially lucrative formula for the team.
Recent roster projections from the Athletic suggest that Wanner could indeed transition from a hopeful prospect to a full-fledged NHL player. Likened to Vincent Desharnais, another unlikely defensive talent discovered late in the draft, Wanner has been turning heads. Standing at 6'3", this right-shot defenseman demonstrated his prowess last season with the AHL's Bakersfield Condors. Though he scored a modest 17 points across 68 games, his robust defensive play drew praise, highlighting his potential value to any contending team.
As training camp approaches, Wanner isn't just competing against the odds but against a cadre of seasoned defensemen. Troy Stecher, Ty Emberson, Josh Brown, and Connor Carrick, along with others potentially on tryout contracts, are all in the running for a limited number of spots on the Oilers' roster. Despite the steep competition and the slim odds, the buzz around Wanner continues to grow, suggesting that he could outperform expectations and secure a spot on the team.
Even if Wanner doesn't make the cut this year, the Oilers' strategy of selecting tall, right-shot defensemen in the final rounds of the draft appears to be a sound one. This approach has repeatedly yielded valuable players who can potentially impact the team significantly. The Oilers' knack for uncovering these hidden gems in the later rounds not only speaks to their scouting acumen but also to their strategic drafting philosophy, which continues to add depth and resilience to their lineup.
Maximus Wanner's journey is a testament to the idea that perseverance and hard work can uncover potential where least expected. Whether or not he makes the final roster this year, his progress is a beacon for other prospects aiming to defy the odds. For the Oilers, it's another sign that their draft strategy might just be the secret ingredient to sustaining long-term success in the fiercely competitive landscape of the NHL.
Source for Wanner Stats: HockeyDB
| POLL | ||
Is it likely that Max Wanner will participate in Edmonton Oilers games this season? | ||
| Yes | 17 | 45.9 % |
| No | 12 | 32.4 % |
| Sure, in preseason | 8 | 21.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
