The NHL Draft isn’t something Edmonton Oilers fans get excited about anymore. The days of drafting near the top of the first round, or even on the opening day, are long gone. The focus now is on winning the Stanley Cup.

Edmonton traded its 2026 first-round pick to the San Jose Sharks in exchange for Jake Walman. The Oilers won’t be on the clock until the 52nd overall pick on Day 2 — that’s if they don’t trade it away before then. 

Rick Pracey has done solid work since taking over as the director of amateur scouting in August 2023. He’s had more sixth-round picks to deal with than first, but the Oilers prospect pool still features promising young players, with Conor Clattenberg, Tommy Lafreniere, and Asher Barnett showing encouraging signs early in their development.

One area lacking depth is defence. Beau Akey and Damien Carfagna are the only prospects under 24 years old playing in the AHL, while Barnett and Beau Berry continue to develop in the NCAA. Albin Sundin was their sixth-round pick in 2024, but the organization allowed his rights to expire. 

Could that mean they go with a defenceman with the 52nd overall pick? If they did, there could be some excellent options for them,........

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