Oilers Prospect Lafreniere Emerging as Sleeper Pick of 2025 NHL Draft
Tommy Lafreniere, the Edmonton Oilers' third-round pick (83rd overall) in the 2025 NHL Draft, is quickly gaining attention and exceeding expectations, positioning himself as a potential steal of the draft. Initially ranked 57th among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting, Lafreniere has impressed scouts and analysts with his dynamic skillset and hockey sense.
Lafreniere, an 18-year-old right-shot center from the Kamloops Blazers of the Western Hockey League (WHL), showcased his potential during his first full WHL season in 2024-25, registering 23 goals and 56 points in 68 games. Despite the Blazers missing the playoffs, Lafreniere's performance stood out, ranking second in goals and third in points among WHL rookies.
Scouting reports highlight Lafreniere's strong skating ability, characterized by excellent stride length, agile crossovers, and impressive balance. He demonstrates a high motor and a knack for finding soft spots in the offensive zone, making him a constant threat. A Central Division NHL scout even compared Lafreniere to a smaller Nick Suzuki, praising his hockey IQ and playmaking abilities.
While some critics point to Lafreniere's need to add strength to his 5'11", 170-pound frame to avoid being pushed off the puck, his offensive creativity and defensive awareness are undeniable. He possesses a strong, accurate shot and an effective stick that generates turnovers.
Lafreniere's strong showing at the Oilers' rookie camp further solidified his status as an underrated prospect. Despite limited hype surrounding his draft selection, his performance, including two goals in a game against the Calgary Flames' prospects, demonstrated his potential to contribute offensively.
Looking ahead, Lafreniere is expected to return to the Kamloops Blazers for the 2025-26 season to continue his development. The Blazers are aiming to be competitive, providing an ideal environment for Lafreniere to refine his skills and leadership abilities. He aims to become a leader within the Blazers organization, building on his understanding of the game and focusing on strength and conditioning.
The Oilers have a history of finding valuable players in the later rounds of the draft. With his combination of skill, hockey sense, and work ethic, Tommy Lafreniere has the potential to become another successful late-round pick for the organization. Although it's almost certain that Lafreniere will be sent back to the WHL to play with the Blazers for the upcoming 2025-26 season, he still has a lot of raw abilities and will need to spend at least a couple more seasons developing and refining his game.
