The Edmonton Oilers entered the 2024 NHL Entry Draft looking to bolster their prospect pool and add depth to their system. With seven picks, including a late first-round selection acquired via trade, the Oilers aimed to find players who could contribute to the team's future success. Now, a year removed from the draft, it's time to check in on how those picks are developing.
Sam O'Reilly (1st Round, 32nd Overall)
The Oilers made a significant move to acquire the 32nd overall pick, selecting center Sam O'Reilly from the London Knights of the OHL. O'Reilly is a highly touted prospect known for his two-way game, hockey sense, and playmaking ability. According to reports, the Oilers were very high on O'Reilly, viewing him as a potential late first-round talent, prompting them to trade up to secure his services. He is considered a versatile player, valued for his defensive zone awareness and calculated physicality.
O'Reilly continued his development with the London Knights, winning his second J. Ross Robertson Cup and the Memorial Cup in 2025. Last season, he increased his offensive output, scoring 28 goals and 71 points in 62 regular-season games. He also contributed significantly in the playoffs, notching seven goals and 22 points in 17 games. While it's possible he could make the Oilers roster with a strong pre-season, he will likely play in the OHL next season.
Eemil Vinni (2nd Round, 64th Overall)
In the second round, the Oilers selected goaltender Eemil Vinni from HIFK of the Finnish Liiga. Vinni is described as an athletic goaltender with good size and potential. At the time of the draft, Oilers' amateur scouting director Rick Pracey noted that the organization had been tracking Vinni for a couple of years, impressed by his athleticism, competitiveness, and potential to become a national league goaltender.
Connor Clattenburg (5th Round, 160th Overall)
With their fifth-round pick, the Oilers chose forward Connor Clattenburg from the Flint Firebirds of the OHL. Clattenburg is a physical player who plays with energy and competitiveness. He had 13 goals and 16 assists in 60 games between Soo and Flint.
Albin Sundin (6th Round, 183rd Overall)
In the sixth round, the Oilers selected defenseman Albin Sundin from Frölunda HC in Sweden. Sundin is a two-way defenseman.
Dalyn Wakely (6th Round, 192nd Overall)
Also in the sixth round, the Oilers picked center Dalyn Wakely from the North Bay Battalion of the OHL. Wakely, at the time of the draft, was 20 years old and had just completed his third OHL season. He posted impressive numbers with 39 goals and 65 assists for 104 points in the regular season, adding 13 goals and 10 assists in 16 playoff games. Scouts noted his offensive capabilities and performance as a No. 1 center.
William Nicholl (7th Round, 196th Overall)
The Oilers selected another London Knights player, center William Nicholl, in the seventh round. Nicholl is known for his skating ability and untapped offensive potential. He recorded six goals and 14 assists in 65 games and added a goal and seven assists in 18 playoff games for the OHL champion Knights.
Bauer Berry (7th Round, 218th Overall)
Rounding out their draft, the Oilers selected defenseman Bauer Berry from the Muskegon Lumberjacks of the USHL.
Overall Assessment
It is still early to definitively assess the Oilers' 2024 draft class, but early indications suggest that the team has added some promising prospects to their system. Sam O'Reilly appears to be the headliner of the class, with the potential to become a valuable two-way center in the NHL. Goaltender Eemil Vinni also offers intriguing potential between the pipes. Several other picks, including Clattenburg, Wakely and Nicholl, provide depth and potential for development within the organization. The development of these players over the next few years will be crucial in determining the overall success of the Oilers' 2024 draft class.
