Edmonton Oilers make concerning roster move with son of first overall draft pick
The Edmonton Oilers organization has made a roster move to send James Stefan from the AHL to the ECHL after a very disappointing beginning to the season.
James Stefan, the son of former NHL first overall pick Patrik Stefan, signed a 3 year entry level contract with the Oilers in March of 2024.
Edmonton Oilers send James Stefan to ECHL Fort Wayne Komets
Oilers analyst and prospect expert Bruce Curlock shared the news that Stefan was being demoted to the ECHL, and added that his play has been far from encouraging.
Stefan was signed playing in his age 20 season with the WHL's Portland Winterhawks, where in 67 games, he scored an incredible 50 goals and 101 points.
Stefan showed some promising offensive skill in the WHL, and had the interest family history of pro hockey, but he clearly hasn't put it together at the professional level yet. With only 2 points in 33 games, a bump down to the ECHL may have been needed.
Beginning the season on the second line with the Condors, the team gave Stefan the opportunity to pick up his offensive game off the bat. Then, he was bumped down the lineup and healthy scratched before this roster move.
Demotion to ECHL is concerning sign for Oilers prospect James Stefan
It's still too early to fully write off Stefan potentially finding a path to the NHL - prospects have struggled and developed in the ECHL and gone on to make the big league.
For now though, sending him down to the lowest level of pro hockey looks a concerning roster move for a player the Oilers signed to a three year contract.
Hopefully, Stefan can find his game and his confidence again in the ECHL, and begin the road back towards making the big club, and making good on the Oilers investment.
