Oilers insider reveals top prospect in sudden consideration to make NHL team
Photo credit: Perry Nelson - Imagn Images
The Edmonton Oilers traded into the first round last year to select Sam O'Reilly, and now it looks like he may exceed expectations to make the NHL next season.
O'Reilly even had a great training camp with the Edmonton Oilers last season, and was considered a dark horse to make the team. Even though he played this year in Junior, he may be closer to the NHL than believed.
Edmonton Oilers insider reveals Sam O'Reilly being considered for NHL roster next season
On the most recent edition of OilersNow with Bob Stauffer, the Oilers insider revealed he's hearing that O'Reilly is on the fast track to the NHL.
Hearing very good things about Sam O'Reilly, who won a Memorial Cup with the London Knights, from people at the tournament. Some people think that he may be ready to play in the NHL.
Maybe by the second half of next year, but I could see him getting games at the start of the year and then going back to Major Junior.
- Bob Stauffer
Maybe by the second half of next year, but I could see him getting games at the start of the year and then going back to Major Junior.
- Bob Stauffer
When the Oilers traded for the 32nd overall pick to select O'Reilly, he was billed as a player a couple years away from making the NHL. Instead, his elite two way play leading his team to a championship has caught the attention of the Oilers.
O'Reilly didn't post the most prolific offensive stats, only registering 28 goals and 71 points in 62 games with the London Knights this season. However, those numbers came mostly from second line minutes and without powerplay time.
The 19 year old right shot centreman plays a game with impeccable defensive play, which is the real headliner of his game. When that's combined with fine levels of scoring, O'Reilly looks like a very interesting player - perhaps a Philip Danault or Patrice Bergeron type player.
Hopefully O'Reilly is able to continue to surpass expectations, makes the NHL next year, and provides incredible value to the Oilers on a value contract.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 8 | 664 ANSWERS Oilers insider reveals top prospect in sudden consideration to make NHL team Do you think O'Reilly will make the Oilers next season? | ||
| Yes | 375 | 56.5 % |
| No | 289 | 43.5 % |
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