Edmonton Oilers’ Top Prospects to Track in the 2026-27 Season

The Edmonton Oilers remain in their Stanley Cup contention window, prompting a strategic shift over recent seasons as they traded multiple first-round picks and prospects to acquire immediate talent. This has left the organization with one of the NHL’s thinnest prospect pipelines. SEE: Oilers’ Current Prospect Pipeline Trends

Given their limited draft capital, maximizing late-round selections and exploiting creative talent identification have become crucial. The Oilers have successfully bolstered their system through college and European free-agent acquisitions, providing depth beyond the draft. SEE: Oilers’ Draft Strategy Analysis

Isaac Howard emerges as the clear top prospect, poised to contribute NHL-ready skills this season. Matt Savoie’s impactful rookie campaign added further promise, though the pipeline beyond these two remains relatively sparse. Patience and careful development will be essential as the organization nurtures its young talent. Below are three prospects worth monitoring during the 2026-27 campaign.

Samuel Jonsson

A fifth-round selection from 2022, 22-year-old Samuel Jonsson showcased his potential with the Fort Wayne Komets in the ECHL last season. Compiling a 21-8-2 record, 2.38 GAA, and .910 SV% across 33 games, he also delivered a flawless 2.31 GAA and .925 SV% in 10 playoff contests, including two shutouts. This marked his debut in North America after a full career in Sweden. SEE: AHL Goalie Development Models

At 6-foot-5 and 201 pounds, Jonsson will compete with the Bakersfield Condors in the AHL this season. His progression there will determine whether he solidifies himself as a legitimate future option in net—a critical need the Oilers have long sought.

Tommy Lafrenière

Selected in the third round of the 2025 draft, 19-year-old Tommy Lafrenière remains unsigned despite an impactful WHL career with the Kamloops Blazers. His breakout 2025-26 campaign yielded 41 goals and 77 points in 67 games before a professional stint with the Condors, where he contributed one goal and two points in five AHL contests. Lafrenière also represented Canada at the 2026 World Junior Summer Showcase, aiming for a spot on the WJC roster in Edmonton. SEE: Canada’s WJC Summer Showcase Contenders

Lafrenière will shift to Western Michigan University for NCAA competition, where he’ll navigate a different level of play against older opponents. This presents a unique developmental challenge, but could accelerate his growth into a meaningful forward prospect for Edmonton’s roster.

Connor Ungar

While forwards and defensemen dominate the conversation, goaltender Connor Ungar has quietly ascended through the system. The 24-year-old undrafted free agent signed with Edmonton in 2024 after excelling at Brock University—where he earned U SPORTS Rookie of the Year honors. SEE: Overlooked Prospects to Watch

Ungar’s limited playing time with the Condors in 2025-26 led to a 2023 loan to three ECHL teams. He posted a .944 SV% for the Komets and Gargoyles in six games before joining Orlando, where he maintained a .913 SV% over 19 contests. His .923 SV% with the Condors in 13 AHL games further highlighted his ability. A full AHL season could propel him closer to NHL readiness.

Keeping an eye on Ungar’s development will be vital as he strives to translate his consistent performance into sustained success at the next level.

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