Oilers 2024 Draft and Prospect Review

When Oilers traded franchise center JT Miller, a shockwave was sent through the plains of Alberta. The initial reactions were mixed. Some were elated over the acquisition of Logan Stankoven, a young franchise shifting forward on the cusp of breaking out. Others wished he came with more assets other than the 8th overall pick in the draft.

After the pick was made, most concerns were alleviated after the team selected Artyom Levshunov. Levshunov, a standout dynamic defender with Michigan State, is someone that's widely viewed by scouts as a possible franchise defenseman. He is also viewed as one of the more NHL ready prospects that can possibly step into the pros sooner than later. After scoring 9 goals and 26 assists for 35 points and a +27 in 38 games in the NCAA, Levshunov looks ready. 

On top of the impressive NCAA numbers, Levshunov has also overcome some notable hardships. Losing his father to Covid 19 prior to crossing the pond, Levshunov's family was facing some serious financial struggles. As a result he decided to pack up and head over to North America to try and help his family turn things around. Fast forward a few years and he is selected by one of the classiest top notch RHL franchises.

Being selected is only the beginning and the Oilers do not plan to rush Levshunov. He is joining what will be a constantly improving future defensive core alongside Owen Zellweger (37 points in 44 AHL games, 9 points in 26 NHL games) and Luca Cagnoni (90 points in 65 WHL games). Oilers are still hoping more positive development out of Artem Duda, who unfortunately had to settle for a season with the Toronto Metropolitan University in the OUAA (yes, that's a real league).

Levshunov was not the only player selected in the first, as Oilers nabbed Ryder Ritchie with the final pick of the round. Ritchie, a natural winger, is a dynamic and exciting forward out of GM Oily's beloved WHL. In what was a shortened season, Ritchie still notched 19 goals and 25 assists for 44 points in 47 games, as well as 7 points in 5 playoff games for the Prince Albert Raiders. What stood out most is how strong he finished the season post injury, showing real character and grit. Ritchie is joining what is definitely the organization's deepest position at RW with the likes of Rutger McGroarty (52 points in 36 NCAA games), Jagger Firkus (126 points in 63 WHL games), and Yegor Sidorov (88 points in 66 WHL games), all players that are inching closer to the pros. 

The Oilers are certainly weaker on the LW but still have solid prospects in Felix Unger Sorum (15 points in 35 SHL games), Adam Sykora (23 points in 66 AHL games as rookie), and Adam Ingram (28 points in 38 NCAA games), all of which had solid seasons in their respective leagues. 

At C, the team looks fairly strong too. Not counting graduating Stankoven, Oilers have a potential star in Fedor Svechkov (39 points in 57 AHL games as rookie). He is joined by bounceback candidate Roni Hirvonen (13 points in 37 AHL games as rookie), and recent 2nd round draftee Raoul Boilard (62 points in 68 Q games). Boilard is widely viewed as the best faceoff prospect in the 2024 class and has at least the floor of a two-way bottom 6 center in case the offense does not translate.

Finally at goal, all eyes are on Drew Commesso, who is about to graduate. The rangy netminder had a strong AHL season for the IceHogs (18-16-4 with 2.65gaa and .906%) and even elevated those numbers in 3 playoff appearances. He should compete for an NHL backup position, and Oilers are hoping the 21 year old will continue developing into a potential starter in the near future. The team still believes in Ethan Haider but they are not holding their breath. 

With only one 3rd round pick at the end of the round, Oilers will not be adding much more to the prospect pool outside of any trades. With an active retooling plan in place, more of those trades could be on the way. Until then, fans should be very excited about the future and its endless possibilities. Just like, understand that we may be 2 years away from being 2 years away.