Edmonton Oilers Prospect Named to Team Canada World Juniors Roster

The Oilers selected Beau Akey in the second round of the 2023 NHL draft, and quality play since then has caused his prospect stock to boom, and gain attention for Team Canada. Oilers Nation ranked Akey the 5th best prospect in the system at the beginning of this season.

Team Canada published their list of 32 players under 20 years old invited to training camp. Canada will cut 9 players before the tournament, entering with a roster of 23 players.

Akey is still just 19 years old, and has played the last four seasons with the Barrie Colts. A 6'0, right shot, puck-moving defenceman, Akey brings value to any team both positionally and with his play style.

It's great to see Akey get this recognition for his game after the difficult circumstances he's faced in the last year.

In the season after he was drafted, Akey left the Barrie Colts for surgery on his shoulder that had been bothering him for a while. The year before, he had an incredible season scoring 47 points in 66 games as a defenceman.

Back with the Colts this year, Akey hasn't lost a step after missing so much time. He's got 16 points in 22 games so far, looking like he may take another step forward as a prospect - and that's why Team Canada wants him.

In an interview this summer, Oilers director of scouting Rick Pracey raved about Beau Akey, and stressed that the team will remain patient with him after this injury.

It's great for Akey that he's named to Team Canada, and it may also help boost his trade value if the Edmonton Oilers decide to move him. Yesterday, Daniel Nugent-Bowman of the Athletic named Akey as one of the Oilers top trade assets.

For now though, Oilers fans will have one extra reason to closely follow the Team Canada World Juniors this season - cheering for Beau Akey.