Oilers prospect looking to break into the NHL next year
Photo credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
Edmonton Oilers prospect James Hamblin is making a case for making the NHL next year as he has been on a tear recently with the Bakersfield Condors.
Bruce Curlock of Oilersnation revealed that Hamblin has had seven points in his last seven games which has put him on a total of 48 points this season. Those numbers certainly constitute a longer look during next year's training camp.
Potential bottom six forward next season for the Oilers
The 25-year-old winger who stands at 5 foot 9 and 185 lbs has been with the organization since 2021. This season, he has played 48 games, scoring 19 goals with 25 assists for 44 points and has 24 penalty minutes along with a + 23.
The Oilers have six pending unrestricted free agent forwards next year including Jeff Skinner, Corey Perry, Connor Brown, Derek Ryan, Kapseri Kapanen and Trent Frederic.
It's safe to say that if Hamblin is showing this kind of progress in his game with the Oilers organization, he will likely find a place on the roster as he still has $775,000 on a two-way deal next year.
The Oilers are also looking for younger players as the team continues to be in a win now mode but continues to age and the injection of younger players are exactly what the Oilers need even if he is a bottom 6.
Oilers prepare to finish the season with depth tested
The team continues to battle injuries especially to key players including Mattias Ekholm, Zach Hyman and Trent Frederic to name a few.
The team received some good news that starting goaltender Stuart Skinner will return to the lineup against the Winnipeg Jets and will be manning the net after his concussion trouble.
The Oilers will also have a rematch against the San Jose Sharks and will face off against the Los Angeles Kings during their last two games of the year which will lead them to prepare for round one where they will face the LA Kings yet again.
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 13 | 586 ANSWERS Oilers prospect looking to break into the NHL next year Do you think Oilers prospect James Hamblin will be on the team next season? | ||
| Yes | 272 | 46.4 % |
| No | 314 | 53.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
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