4 players to watch at Oilers rookie series vs Calgary Flames

The rookie tournament has been organized in the absence of the Penticton Young Stars Classic, which was cancelled earlier this year. This 2 game series against the Flames will be a meaningful showcase for the rookies.

With the tournament set to begin this Friday in Edmonton, the Oilers have officially announced their 25-man roster for the tournament. It features some big names who will play NHL games this season.

Most of the Oilers top prospects will be in attendance, including the best 4 that should catch the attention of the organization and fans watching the games. Matthew Savoie, Isaac Howard, Quinn Hutson, and Samuel Jonsson should be standout talents.

Matthew Savoie is primed to make the jump to the NHL after a year of quality development with the Bakerfield Condors. Last year Savoie took major strides to improve his 200-foot game while remaining an offensive threat and skill plays with the puck. He should absolutely dominate against a rookie roster, and could have a great rookie year in the NHL.

Isaac Howard is an offensive talent in the same league as Savoie, but perhaps with more of a raw overall game. Prospect experts are extremely high on his scoring talents which could be lethal with the Oilers, but he doesn't have the benefit of a full year developing at pro hockey. Still, he should be a standout at the rookie tournament.

Both Savoie and Howard are ranked among the NHL's best prospects, and are hopeful to make the Oilers.

Quinn Hutson, signed out of Boston University earlier this year, is also close to being an NHL talent. He played a strong overall game in NCAA, and was even called up to play 2 games in Edmonton last season. At 23 years old, he could have a great showing at the rookie tournament and start moving up the depth chart quickly.

Finally, top goalie prospect Samuel Jonsson will be receiving lots of attention. Signed by the Oilers to an entry level deal this offseason, the 21 year old goalie rocketed up the prospect ranks with a great season in Sweden last year. He should contend for the starter's job in the AHL, and hopefully could be a goalie of the future for the Oilers.

In addition, there's going to be plenty of other quality players who could raise their stock with a good tournament. New signings Josh Samanski, Damien Carfagna, Viljami Marjala condo stand out, and draft picks William Nicholl, Tommy Lafreniere, and David Lewandowski are younger additions.

Hopefully all Oilers players start the season with a quality camp, and can reach their potentials with a good year of development within the organization.