Team Canada's Showcase is missed by Oilers first-round pick Sam O'Reilly

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Sam Jones
August 6, 2024 (9:17)

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In a recent revelation from Team Canada, their lineup for the National Junior Summer Showcase was announced, missing a notable name.

Sam O'Reilly, the Edmonton Oilers' latest first-round selection, did not make the cut for the event. Despite some buzz around his potential inclusion, it was always considered a stretch that he would be selected this year.

The Oilers made headlines with their strategic move in this year's NHL draft, acquiring the last pick of the first round to secure O'Reilly�a decision that surprised many. Originally projected as a second-round pick by numerous scouts, Edmonton's choice signaled a strong belief in his long-term value to the franchise.

O'Reilly's junior-level stats haven't been staggering; he tallied 20 goals and 56 points over 68 games with the London Knights, predominantly in a third-line role without significant power play time.

Despite these modest numbers, the Oilers scouting staff sees considerable upside in O'Reilly's game. Oilers scout Rick Pracey highlighted O'Reilly's comprehensive skill set, noting:

»The intangibles, what he brings. We like his size, we like his drive, an extremely competitive kid. We think he's inside and hard skill. We like the way he plays diligently defensively. He's on the right side of the puck, he wins face-offs, he wins stick battles, he wins takeaways, and he has offensive upside.»

These attributes suggest that O'Reilly could develop into a significant asset for the Oilers.

In the trade that brought O'Reilly to Edmonton, the Oilers agreed to send a conditional first-round draft pick to the Philadelphia Flyers, with the selection being made in either 2025 or 2026. This draft pick was also part of a previous trade involving veteran star Claude Giroux's move to the Florida Panthers. The Oilers' gamble on trading up for O'Reilly underscores their strategy of building a robust team core, betting on long-term gains over immediate impact.

Although missing out on the Junior Showcase could be seen as a setback, it's merely one step in O'Reilly's developmental journey. At just 18 years old, his career trajectory holds plenty of promise. With Edmonton's support and his own drive to improve, O'Reilly will be looking to enhance his play and make a case for a spot on the Oilers' roster in the near future.

Source: OilersAfterDark on X