5 Oilers on cusp of being traded, or demoted to minor league system

The first of these is forward Noah Phillip, a 27-year old 4th-year pro. Once considered a top prospect, his development was delayed because of an injury that caused him to miss the 2023-24 season.

Noah Philip is a physical player with good hockey sense, but at his best, is a serviceable 4th-liner. Given the new signings to the club, that are now ranked ahead of him on the depth chart, he could find himself in Bakersfield as early as game 1 of next season.

Roby Jarventie shows potential, buy his limited action has prevented any kind of consistency to his game, given he's been regularly injured since being acquired last summer.

The 23-year old's quality skating and puck skills show some upside, though he'll likely start the season in Bakersfield to shake off the rust and find his game. Could see action with Oilers as a call up, if he can excel in a top-4 role in the AHL.

Matvei Petrov enters his 3rd full-season in the AHL, where he's been a depth player with the Condors. Lacking on the defensive side, he relies on offense to bring value to the club.

Given he's only scored 30 points in 103 AHL games, it's unlikely Petrov will be promoted beyond his depth role in the minors.

Connor Ungar The goalie started slowly in the ECHL last season, after suffering an injury, but turned his game around with solid play, posting a .903 GAA in 35 ECHL games.

To advance his career in the Oilers system, however, he'd need to beat out Jonsson, Day, or Tomkins for a full-time job. Ungar is faced with a precarious situation, and short odds of advancing beyond his current role.

Finally, James Hamblin has shown he's capable of playing in the NHL, and can also excel with Bakersfield as a top-6 forward, as was the case the last two seasons.

He's 26-years old, however, and may be cutting his career cshort with the Oilers. This being his contract year, Hamblin may be used as a trade-piece at next year's trade deadline.