Jeff Markel broke the news of Wakely being traded this morning, and it should be a major positive for his development as a prospect. The Battalion is a rebuilding team this year, while the Colts are expected to be a contending team. Playing his final overage year in Junior at 20 years old, Wakely should see a huge spike in his scoring.
Wakely is a right shot centre that had a breakout season last year, scoring 39 goals and 104 points in 66 games with the Battalion. The Oilers spent a sixth round draft pick to select him in the 2024 draft, hoping that he can repeat that offensive success and take another big step this year. This trade to a contending OHL team will certainly help with that with more offensive opportunities and better teammates.
Being such a recent long shot prospect, Wakely was ranked the 17th best Oilers prospect before the year began. At 6'1 and 200 pounds he's touted as a fierce physical player who plays the game at an incredible pace - very similar to training camp standout Noah Philp. If he proves that last season's scoring touch wasn't a fluke and is able to improve this year, he may end up shooting up the ranks of Oilers prospects.
Hardcore Oilers fans will now have plenty of reason to tune into Barrie Colts games this year, as the Oilers 5th ranked prospect Beau Akey also will be there. The Oilers are closely competing for the cup this year, and their future players are still grinding through the ranks!
POLL | ||
Do you think Wakely could be an NHL player? | ||
Yes, seen him and liked him | 8 | 22.9 % |
No, don't think so | 10 | 28.6 % |
Too early to tell | 16 | 45.7 % |
See Results | 1 | 2.9 % |
List of polls |