Is the AHL squad of the Edmonton Oilers prepared to assist the NHL team in the near future? “The Athletic”
The Edmonton Oilers, once home to the greatest dynasty in hockey history, have spent years rebuilding both their roster and their pipeline of young talent. With Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl leading the charge at the NHL level, the team has put itself back in contention for a Stanley Cup. However, what may set the Oilers apart in the future is the strength of their minor league system. The Oilers’ AHL affiliate, the Bakersfield Condors, has become a vital part of the team’s organizational depth, nurturing the next wave of talent that could soon contribute to the NHL squad’s success.
The AHL has long served as the developmental league for the NHL, with many young players getting their first taste of professional hockey before making the leap to the big league. For the Oilers, the Condors represent both a promising pool of prospects and a key resource that could be tapped to help improve the NHL team in the near future. But are the Condors truly prepared to assist the Oilers in the coming years? This question requires a deeper look into the talent coming up through the AHL ranks, the developmental programs in place, and how these prospects fit into the Oilers’ long-term strategy.
1. Bakersfield Condors: The Foundation of Future Success
Over the past few seasons, the Condors have emerged as an essential component of the Oilers’ organizational depth. In fact, under head coach Jay Woodcroft, Bakersfield became one of the top teams in the AHL, both in terms of wins and player development. Woodcroft’s ability to build a winning culture and develop young talent has made the Condors an even more significant part of the Oilers’ future.
Key players like Evan Bouchard, Kailer Yamamoto, and Tyler Benson have come through the Condors’ ranks, showcasing their abilities at the AHL level before making the jump to the NHL. For many, the AHL serves as a proving ground, and the development of players in Bakersfield is a crucial part of the Oilers’ ability to remain competitive in the NHL. The Condors have developed a reputation for giving young players the opportunity to grow their games in a structured environment, which has resulted in a strong pipeline of talent.
2. AHL Players Who Could Make an Impact Soon
Several players currently with the Condors are already on the radar of Oilers management, and their performance in Bakersfield could determine how quickly they contribute to the NHL team. Among the most notable prospects are:
- Evan Bouchard (Defense): Bouchard’s development trajectory has been one of the brightest spots in the Oilers’ prospect pool. After an impressive start with the Condors, he was called up to the NHL, where he’s continued to show promise. As a skilled defenseman with excellent puck-moving abilities, Bouchard has the potential to play a major role on the Oilers’ blue line in the near future.
- Ryan McLeod (Forward): McLeod, a center, has shown flashes of brilliance both with the Condors and in the NHL. His speed, skill, and two-way game make him a valuable asset. He has already spent time with the Oilers but continues to hone his skills in the AHL to become a more consistent presence in the NHL.
- Dylan Holloway (Forward): After being drafted in 2020, Holloway has emerged as one of the most highly anticipated prospects in the Oilers’ system. His speed, skill, and two-way potential make him a top-tier prospect, and it’s only a matter of time before he becomes a regular at the NHL level.
- Xavier Bourgault (Forward): Bourgault is a dynamic offensive player with an impressive skill set, including high-end playmaking ability and a strong shot. While still young, Bourgault is one of the more exciting prospects in the AHL who could soon provide a scoring boost to the Oilers.
These players, along with others, could play pivotal roles in the Oilers’ push for the Stanley Cup over the next few seasons. Each of them possesses the tools necessary to transition into the NHL and contribute to the Oilers’ success.
3. The Role of the AHL in Player Development
For the Oilers, the AHL is not just a place for players to bide their time but rather a crucial step in their development. The organization has made it clear that they prioritize developing players who are ready to make an impact when they’re called up to the NHL. The AHL serves as the stage for these players to improve specific aspects of their game, whether it’s adjusting to the speed of the professional game, developing a more complete two-way game, or fine-tuning their offensive and defensive skills.
The development staff in Bakersfield has done a commendable job of balancing player development with team success. Under the guidance of Woodcroft, the Condors have excelled both in terms of developing players and winning games. This synergy between player growth and team performance is crucial in preparing young talent for the NHL.
For instance, Bouchard’s time with the Condors allowed him to develop his offensive game and defensive responsibilities before making a seamless transition to the Oilers. Similarly, McLeod’s time in the AHL helped him refine his overall game, particularly his faceoff abilities, which are critical for his role as a center.
Moreover, with the Oilers’ focus on speed and skill at the NHL level, the team’s development staff in Bakersfield mirrors those priorities, ensuring that prospects are not only equipped with the tools to succeed but are also prepared to contribute to the Oilers’ style of play.
4. The Oilers’ Need for Depth in Key Areas
While the Oilers have superstars like McDavid and Draisaitl, the team’s success often hinges on the depth surrounding these stars. Over the years, the Oilers have struggled with finding consistent depth in areas such as defensive depth and bottom-six forwards who can contribute both offensively and defensively. The AHL’s role in filling these gaps has never been more critical.
The Oilers have a growing need for solid bottom-six forwards, and the Condors have several prospects who could eventually fill those roles. Players like McLeod, Benson, and even Bourgault could step into bottom-six roles, providing much-needed depth scoring and strong two-way play.
Defensively, players like Bouchard and Philip Broberg (who split time between Bakersfield and Edmonton) offer promise in addressing the Oilers’ defensive needs. Bouchard has already made an impact on the NHL team, and Broberg, a skilled, mobile defenseman, could soon be another piece in the Oilers’ defensive puzzle.
These prospects are crucial for the Oilers, as they not only provide a pipeline of talent but also help the team avoid the need for expensive external signings or trades.
5. The Path Forward: Is the AHL Ready?
While the Condors are undoubtedly a crucial part of the Oilers’ future, there is still work to be done to ensure that they are fully prepared to step into NHL roles. The transition from the AHL to the NHL is not always seamless, and for players like Bouchard, McLeod, and others, continuing to grow their game and adapt to the higher demands of the NHL will be essential.
The Oilers’ success in the next few seasons may very well depend on how well they can integrate these players into their lineup. With a solid AHL system in place and a roster of promising prospects, the Oilers appear to be in a good position to have internal solutions to some of their needs, rather than relying on outside acquisitions.
The key question remains whether these prospects can continue to develop at the expected pace, and if the Oilers can remain patient with their young players as they make the jump to the NHL. But with a strong pipeline, a winning culture in Bakersfield, and a focus on player development, the future looks bright for the Edmonton Oilers, both in the short and long term.
A Bright Future Ahead
As the Edmonton Oilers look to build upon their current success, the contributions of the AHL squad, particularly the Bakersfield Condors, will play a pivotal role. The next wave of talent is on its way, and if the Condors can continue to develop players ready to make an impact at the NHL level, the Oilers could be poised for sustained success in the years to come.
By maintaining a focus on player development and ensuring that the prospects are well-prepared for the rigors of the NHL, the Oilers’ AHL affiliate will remain a vital component of the team’s future success. As we look ahead, the synergy between the Oilers’ NHL squad and their AHL talent could very well be the key to a bright future and, potentially, a Stanley Cup victory.