Suddenly rising Oilers prospect named to Team USA at World Juniors
Edmonton prospect Asher Barnett has been selected to Team USA for the World Juniors, a great sign for his development as a player for the Oilers.
Oilers analysts have been tracking Barnett's rise this season in his rookie year with the University of Michigan. At just 18 years old it's rare a defender would even be selected to Team USA, but he's made a great impression this year.
Edmonton Oilers prospect Asher Barnett makes Team USA WJC roster
On Christmas Eve, Barnett was officially named to Team USA's roster. Analysts believe he still may not actually get into games, but the selection alone is a great sign.
The Oilers selected Barnett in the 5th round of the 2025 draft after 2 seasons with the US National Development Team in the USHL.
The 18 year old Illinois native is only 6'1 and 197 pounds, so he's a little undersized for an NHL defender. However, his fundamentals are his strengths, and his hockey IQ is noticeable immediately.
In Elite Prospect's draft report, scouts praised Barnett's all-around defensive abilities.
Bringing a little bit of everything defensively, Barnett wins his minutes with transition passing, physicality, and defensive details. He punishes net-front attackers with crosschecks and then detaches to intercept the puck carrier behind the net for a stop. He wins inside position, proactively engages opponents, and tips away passes - all key traits for strong off-puck defenders moving forward.
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- Elite Prospects
It seems to be a trend that the Oilers are targeting smart players with late round draft picks, hoping they can learn enough to eventually transition their game to the NHL. If Barnett can continue reading plays to make defensive stops, he'll get even more recognition soon.
The Oilers may be looking to get Barnett signed to a pro-contract and into AHL games soon. Hopefully he gets into some WJC games, and Oilers fans can see what he's got.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 25 | 344 ANSWERS Suddenly rising Oilers prospect named to Team USA at World Juniors Do you think Barnett could play a game for USA in the WJC? | ||
| Yes | 277 | 80.5 % |
| No | 67 | 19.5 % |
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