Oilers top prospect named among Calder Trophy Candidates
Photo credit: Edmonton Oilers RAW
The top-5 Oilers' prospects were listed in the Summer 2025 Prospect Countdown, talented young players who will be competing for a roster spot at the upcoming Oilers' training camp.
The first of these prospects is Matthew Savoie, who for the 2nd-straight year tops the Oilers' list; he has the best chance of the five rookies to compete for a top-4 role.
Top Oilers' prospect most likely to be involved in 2025-26 season Calder Trophy conversation
The 21-year old right-winger had a strong first pro-season with Bakersfield in the AHL, scoring 19G and 35A, and was a +21. According to Elite Prospect's Draft Guide there is plenty to like about Savoie.
«Heavy crossover use and constant motion propel his high-pace, constantly attacking approach, making his every puck touch an opportunity to create a scoring chance. Savoie stacks a brilliant first touch, handling skill, an in-stride wrister, and one- and two-touch passing ability on top of that skating and pace combo to ensure many of those chances aren't for naught.»
Isaac Howard comes in at number 2. The Hobey Baker Award winner with Michigan State has won gold medals in the WJC and the World Championships, and was part of the USDP in 2020-21.
He spent last year playing in the AHL, but with his skills, it may have been his last.
"Howard's skating stands out. Maintains his posture in tight, while deking, or on the backcheck. His top hand moves freely around his body, which he turns into incredible stickhandling displays. When handling, he's scanning. Adjusts body positioning to get pressure on his back, then uses hesitations and changes of pace to slip around the check.
Samuel Jonsson is the Oilers' 3rd best prospect. He is one of the few holdovers from the Ken Holland era. The hulking 6'5" goaltender was taken in the 5th round of 2022 draft, and is still developing.
The big Swede had a break-out year with BIK Karlskoga going 17-6-0 with a .922 SV% in 24 games, and a .913sv% in 5 post-season games, and won the league's Goalie of the Year award. Will likely start next season in the AHL.
Beau Akey, the 4th-best prospect, is the Oilers' top defensive prospect, and a coveted RHD. A 56th overall draft pick in 2023, he's developed into a clear top-4 defenseman. Elite Prospects Draft Guide had this to say about Akey:
Samuel Jonsson is the Oilers' 3rd best prospect. He is one of the few holdovers from the Ken Holland era. The hulking 6'5" goaltender was taken in the 5th round of 2022 draft, and is still developing.
The big Swede had a break-out year with BIK Karlskoga going 17-6-0 with a .922 SV% in 24 games, and a .913sv% in 5 post-season games, and won the league's Goalie of the Year award. Will likely start next season in the AHL.
Beau Akey, the 4th-best prospect, is the Oilers' top defensive prospect, and a coveted RHD. A 56th overall draft pick in 2023, he's developed into a clear top-4 defenseman. Elite Prospects Draft Guide had this to say about Akey:
«With his precise and powerful footwork, he can shadow attackers and push them to the outside, pinch on opponents in the offensive zone before they can break out the. Some of his best work comes off his ability to anticipate players on the rush and use his stick to poke pucks away, as well as while chasing puck carriers in his own end.»
With only one selection in the first four rounds, adding a defenceman with serious upside was a win for Edmonton. He impressed at rookie camp and signed his entry-level contract in early October.
Finally, the 33rd overall pick in 2020, Roby Jarventie comes in at number 5 in the Oilers' prospect depth chart. He's been hampered by injury in the last three seasons, but still managed to score 30 points in 40 games in the AHL, and made his NHL debut in November of the 2023-24 season.
«Jarventie anticipates play well in the offensive zone," Elite Prospects wrote. "He scores a lot by having a feel for where the puck is going to be next. He can pull off some pretty impressive moves while playing at full speed, and consistently displays good habits by keeping the puck close to his frame.»
| POLL | ||
AOUT 22 | 195 ANSWERS Oilers top prospect named among Calder Trophy Candidates Do you agree that Matt Savoie is the Oilers' number-1 prospect? | ||
| yes | 136 | 69.7 % |
| no | 59 | 30.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
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