Edmonton Oilers' top 3 prospects to watch out for in 2024/25 season

By Nestor Quixtan

Modified Aug 07, 2024 01:22 GMT

The Edmonton Oilers are a team loaded with star power. Players like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl headline a deep Edmonton Oilers club that figures to contend in the Western Conference in 2024-25.

But like all other NHL clubs, the Oilers have a pool of prospects that should make an impact on the club at some point in the near future. While some prospects may be more than a couple of seasons away from making an impact on the big club, the following prospects could make an impact as early as this upcoming season.

So, here’s a look at the top three Edmonton Oilers’ prospects to keep an eye on in 2024-25.

Edmonton Oilers' top 3 prospects to watch out for in 2024/25 season

#3: Raphael Lavoie

Lavoie was the Edmonton Oilers’ second-round pick in 2019. Taken 38th overall, Lavoie comes with high expectations.

While he’s battled some injuries during his time in the AHL, he’s managed to bounce back. In 66 games with the Bakersfield Condors, Lavoie racked up 28 goals and 50 points. That performance earned him a seven-game audition with the Oilers last season, although he failed to register a point.

Lavoie projects as a solid middle-six forward who could fill in in case of injuries this upcoming season. While the Oilers should give him a good look in camp, there’s not much room for him to make the team this season. Nevertheless, Lavoie should be among the first call-ups at some point in 2024-25.

#2: Roby Jarventie

Jarventie was a second-round pick of the Ottawa Senators in 2020. The 21-year-old Finnish winger played well in his native country, making a relatively smooth transition to the North American game.

Last season, Jarventie spent the season with the Belleville Senators, playing 62 games and registering 50 points. He earned a mid-season call-up, playing seven games and scoring one assist.

The Edmonton Oilers acquired Jarventie from the Sens at the 2024 NHL Draft for Xavier Bourgault and another prospect. While Jarventie should start the season in the AHL with the Condors, there is a good chance the Oilers will want to take a long look at Jarventie at some point during the season.

#1: Matthew Savoie

The Oilers acquired Savoie in the trade involving Ryan McLeod with the Buffalo Sabres last July. Savoie was the Sabres' first-round pick in 2022, selected ninth overall. While Savoie has appeared in only one NHL game, the Oilers will be looking to give him every opportunity to show what he can do at training camp this fall.

The likeliest situation is that Savoie starts the year with the Condors. But if his strong performance in the WHL is any indication, Savoie should showcase why the Oilers traded McLeod and fellow prospect Tyler Tullio to get him.

Savoie could slide into the Oilers’ third line, potentially jumping into the top six if he can handle regular ice time. Savoie is still about another year away from making an impact on the big club. But the hope is that Savoie can leap to the NHL sooner rather than later.