Oilers expected to invite new minor league signing to NHL training camp with big opportunity
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The Edmonton Oilers are expected to invite new signing Luke Prokop to NHL training camp, with a chance to prove himself as a call-up candidate.
The Oilers signed the Edmonton-born defenceman to a minor league contract earlier this offseason after he left the Nashville Predators organization.
Oilers analyst picks new defenceman signing to be invited to NHL training camp
In the absence of any tryout contracts offered by the Oilers so far, the team may instead opt to let their own players show their skills at camp. Luke Prokop could be one of the players contending for a call-up role, according to Oilers analyst Kurt Leavins.
No official word on PTO's ahead of Oilers main camp just yet. Often, players will (understandably) hold out until the last minute for an actual contract somewhere. I do expect recent AHL signing Luke Prokop to be invited.
Prokop had some promise as a prospect when he was selected in the third round by the Predators in 2020. He's yet to take a step to prove he can be an NHLer, but still just 23 years old, there's some optimism he could still take a step.
Past Evan Bouchard, the Oilers' right side defence depth chart mostly consists of bottom-pairing players. If Prokop can prove himself in the AHL, he'll have a path to getting to the Oilers in case of an injury. The Oilers also could lose a defender on waivers this year, which would open up a spot.
Standing at 6'5 and 223 pounds, Prokop has the size and the position to be an asset in the NHL. This year he's making a conscious effort to increase his physicality to gain the attention of the big club.
Hopefully Prokop has a solid training camp and can make a good first impression on his new team, but it's very likely he'll start the year in the AHL.
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