Oilers planning to call up one prospect, seriously concerned about another

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Liam McCormick
January 8, 2024 (7:08)

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Now nearing the halfway point of the season, it serves as a helpful time to check in on the team's prospects and how they're currently developing. As a contending team, the Oilers would love to be able to get some contributions from players still on cheap contracts, like some of these prospects trying to break onto the rosters.

Allan Mitchell of the Athletic recently took a look through the entire Oilers' prospect system and gave a brief update about each prospect, and whether they're rising or falling in the system.

First off is perhaps the most important pick in the Oilers system, Xavier Bourgault, whose stock has been falling. Selected 22nd overall in 2021, that's a concerning development.

Bourgault's scoring rate (0.42 points per game) is lower than his rookie year (0.55) and reflects a disappointing start to his second pro season He badly needs to show well in the second half of the season and the organization should be concerned about the only first-round pick in the system.

The biggest draft pick with rising stock this season appears to be Olivier Rodrigue by far. Selected in the second round of 2018, Rodrigue has always had pedigree, but is coming into his own now. According to Mitchell, Rodrigue will soon receive his first call up to the NHL.

When Jack Campbell was sent down, the organization gave the veteran most of the starts, while Rodrigue was brilliant in sporadic opportunities. Management finally recognized his development step and he is now the No. 1 goalie in Bakersfield. He is No. 3 in save percentage in the entire league and seems poised for his first NHL recall.

Finally for the most relevant prospects, and another one of the biggest risers in the system, is forward Carter Savoie. Selected in the fourth round by the Oilers in 2020, Mitchell has him pegged for one of the most improved prospects.

Savoie appears to be healthy and the results have been strong. In his most recent 10-game run, Savoie has two goals and five assists. His trademark quick release has been in evidence, but even more impressive of late are his inspired passes to linemates for goals Edmonton has several young wingers pushing; Savoie has moved ahead of the pack in the last 10 games.

That wraps up the prospect roundup! For more on the prospects, check out Mitchell's full article for the Athletic.