Roby Järventie, the Finnish winger acquired by the Edmonton Oilers in a trade last year, is making an early statement in the American Hockey League (AHL) season. Playing for the Bakersfield Condors, the Oilers' AHL affiliate, Järventie kicked off the 2025-26 campaign with a notable three-point performance.
In the Condors' opening game against the San Jose Barracuda, Järventie scored a goal and contributed two assists in a 7-6 loss. This performance highlights Järventie's offensive capabilities and reinforces the potential he offers as a call-up option for the Oilers.
Järventie, born in Tampere, Finland, has a history of strong offensive play. Before coming to North America in 2021, he played professionally for Ilves in Finland. During the 2020-21 season, while playing for Ilves, he tied with Anton Lundell for second in U20 scoring in Finland's top pro league, with 14 goals and 25 points in 48 games.
Drafted initially by the Ottawa Senators in the second round (33rd overall) of the 2020 NHL Entry Draft, Järventie's development has been closely watched. He signed an entry-level deal with the Senators in April 2021 and was assigned to their AHL affiliate, the Belleville Senators. His time in Belleville saw him face challenges, including a knee injury that sidelined him for three months during the 2022-23 season.
On July 15, 2024, Järventie was traded to the Edmonton Oilers along with a fourth-round pick in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft, in exchange for Xavier Bourgault and Jake Chiasson. A further knee surgery during the offseason caused him to miss the Oilers' 2024 training camp, and he began the season on injured reserve. He was activated and assigned to Bakersfield in late October.
Järventie has also represented Finland on the international stage, winning a bronze medal at the IIHF World Junior Championships in 2021 and a silver medal in 2022.
While a call-up to the Oilers isn't guaranteed without a sustained period of strong play, Järventie's opening-night performance is a step in the right direction. His offensive instincts and skill, praised by Elite Prospects in their 2020 Draft Guide, are evident. His ability to anticipate plays in the offensive zone and execute impressive moves at full speed could make him a valuable asset to the Oilers.
