The Edmonton Oilers may have found a hidden gem in the later rounds of the 2025 NHL Entry Draft, held in Los Angeles. With the 117th overall pick, they selected German winger David Lewandowski from the Saskatoon Blades of the Western Hockey League (WHL). This pick is drawing attention because many analysts had Lewandowski ranked significantly higher than where he was eventually selected.
Lewandowski, a native of Düsseldorf, Germany, made the move to North America to play for the Blades during the 2024-25 season. In his rookie WHL season, the left-shot forward showcased his offensive abilities, scoring 15 goals and adding 24 assists for a total of 39 points in 52 games. He also contributed a goal and an assist in four playoff games. Before joining the Blades, Lewandowski also played in seven games for Düsseldorfer EG in Germany's top league, Deutsche Eishockey Liga (DEL). Internationally, he represented Germany at the World Junior Championships, where he scored a couple of goals, and also recorded three points in five games at the World Under-18 Championship in 2025.
Several scouting services had Lewandowski pegged as a potential third-round pick. For example, FloHockey ranked him 69th, Draft Prospects Hockey had him at 73rd, Future Considerations at 78th, Dobber Prospects at 82nd, and Daily Faceoff at 86th. NHL Central Scouting ranked Lewandowski 51st among North American skaters. While The Hockey Writers' draft experts Andrew Forbes and Peter Baracchini ranked him 100th and 107th, respectively, even those rankings were higher than his ultimate draft position.
Oilers Director of Amateur Scouting Rick Pracey noted Lewandowski's skill and size. He also highlighted areas for improvement, specifically Lewandowski's skating, but praised his ability to make plays in tight spaces and extend offensive zone time. "He's a skilled forward. We're able to add some size with him," Pracey said. "Skating's got to come just a touch, but he makes plays in small areas much like Tommy (Lafrenière). These guys are good off the cycle. They can extend offensive zone time, play with skill and make quick decisions".
The Oilers originally traded this fourth-round pick to the Vancouver Canucks for forward Vasiliy Podkolzin but reacquired it in a trade for Evander Kane on June 25, allowing them to select Lewandowski. Interestingly, Lewandowski was also the last pick in the 2024 CHL Import Draft. The Oilers are hoping he can replicate that success.
Some scouts describe Lewandowski as a versatile, skilled winger with excellent spatial awareness and a competitive drive. He is noted for his cerebral and calculated approach to the game, with flashes of high-end puck skill and creativity. Elite Prospects' 2025 NHL Draft Guide praised Lewandowski's puck protection skills, physical play, and shooting ability. "Lewandowski is a dominant puck protector who throws reverse hits and bulldozes contact," reads the Elite Prospects 2025 NHL Draft Guide. "His shooting has been a constant threat across his career. He rips pucks off his outside leg and possesses a powerful catch-and-release shot that he leverages with higher-end precision. Even more impressive, his physical skills – puck protection, especially – are the most translatable aspects of his game".
Given that the Oilers didn't have picks in the first two rounds of the 2025 NHL Entry Draft, Lewandowski represents a valuable addition to their prospect pool. The Oilers also drafted Tommy Lafrenière, Asher Barnett, Daniel Salonen, and Aidan Park. Only time will tell if Lewandowski can outperform his draft position and become a significant contributor at the NHL level.
