Top prospects for Edmonton Oilers

NHL.com is providing in-depth prospect analysis for each of its 32 teams from Aug. 8-Sept. 8. Today, the top five prospects for the Edmonton Oilers, according to NHL.com.

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1. Dylan Holloway, F

How acquired: Selected with No. 14 pick in 2020 NHL Draft
2021-22 season: NHL playoffs: 1 GP, 0-0-0; Bakersfield (AHL): 33 GP, 8-14-22
The Oilers project the 20-year-old (6-foot-1, 203 pounds) to develop into a top-six forward and play on the wing with either Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl. Holloway had a strong sophomore season at Wisconsin, with 35 points (11 goals, 24 assists) in 23 games before turning pro. A wrist injury sustained in February 2021, which required surgery, set him back, and then set him back again when he had to undergo surgery a second time in September. He returned to play the second half of the season with Bakersfield, and then made his debut for the Oilers in Game 4 of the Western Conference Final against the Colorado Avalanche.
"I've coached him in Bakersfield, so I know exactly what Dylan Holloway brings to the table," Oilers coach Jay Woodcroft said June 6, prior to Game 4 against the Avalanche. "I think he has a bright future in the National Hockey League."
Projected arrival: 2023-24

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2. Xavier Bourgault, F

How acquired: Selected with No. 22 pick in 2021 NHL Draft
2021-22 season: Shawinigan (QMJHL): 43 GP, 36-39-75. Playoffs: 16 GP, 12-10-22
The 19-year-old (6-0, 172) helped Shawinigan win the QMJHL championship last season for the first time in its history. He played for Canada at the 2022 IIHF World Junior Championship in December before the tournament was cancelled due to concerns surrounding the coronavirus. Bourgault decided not to take part in the rescheduled WJC in August to prepare for his first professional season. He is projected to be a top-six forward for the Oilers but will likely start the season in Bakersfield.
"He's a high-skilled offensive player," Oilers director of amateur scouting Tyler Wright said. "He can play center, he can play the wing, he's got excellent vision, excellent skill; he's a student of the game and very competitive."
Projected arrival: 2024-25

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3. Carter Savoie, F

How acquired: Selected with No. 100 pick in 2020 draft
2021-22 season: Denver (NCAA): 39 GP, 23-22-45. Bakersfield (AHL): 2 GP, 0-0-0
Savoie (5-9, 192) helped Denver win the NCAA championship last season. The 20-year-old decided not to return for his junior season and turned pro following the title game. He played two games with Bakersfield at the end of the season.
"This is definitely a big summer in the gym for me," Savoie said at Oilers development camp July 14. "I want to get my body prepared for the pro level so that I'm ready for next year."
Projected arrival: 2024-25

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4. Matvey Petrov, F

How acquired: Selected with No. 180 pick in 2021 draft
2021-22 season: North Bay (OHL): 63 GP, 40-50-90. Playoffs: 13 GP, 2-8-10
The Oilers believe the 19-year-old (6-2, 178) could be the steal of the 2021 draft. He had an excellent first season in the Ontario Hockey League after playing in Russia in 2020-21. The Oilers have been impressed with his development and believe he is further along than projected. Petrov is an excellent skater with good size and offensive ability and possesses a world-class shot. He is expected to return to North Bay for a final year of junior, but the Oilers have the option to send him to the AHL.
"Last year was an awesome year for me, it was my first year playing North American hockey," Petrov said at Oilers development camp. "My coach told me that I had a good shot and he told me to take as many shots as I could from anywhere, and I was able to score a lot of goals, so that was pretty good."
Projected arrival: 2024-25

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5. Reid Schaefer, F

How acquired: Selected with No. 32 pick in 2022 NHL Draft
2021-22 season: Seattle (WHL): 66 GP, 32-26-58. Playoffs: 25 GP, 6-15-21.
The 18-year-old (6-3, 213) made huge strides in his second WHL season. He had two assists in 18 games as a 16-year-old in 2020-21 and scored 32 goals last season. Schaefer helped Seattle reach the WHL final last season and was a physical force in the series. He will return to the WHL this season, and the Oilers are hoping he develops into a strong two-way forward who can play up and down the lineup.
"We liked a lot of things about him," Wright said. "He's a big-bodied guy that plays physical and is a hard player to play against. I don't think he gets enough credit for the skill set that he has and his hockey sense. He's a guy that's a little bit of a late bloomer that is coming into his own."
Projected arrival: 2025-26