Edmonton Oilers Sign First Round Draft Pick to Three Year Contract

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Liam McCormick
October 21, 2024 (3:27 PM)

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This afternoon, the Edmonton Oilers announced that the team has signed their most recent first round draft pick, Sam O'Reilly, to an entry level contract.

The Oilers traded for the last pick of the first round draft pick last year and used it to select O'Reilly, which shows how highly they regard the player. O'Reilly is an 18 year old 6'1 right shot center man, currently playing for the London Knights in the OHL.

Before he was returned to junior this fall, O'Reilly had a fantastic training and preseason camp with the Oilers. Many expected O'Reilly to be an early return to junior, but his standout camp kept him around and playing preseason games far beyond other players his age.

In preseason action, O'Reilly impressed with his 200 foot game and his cerebral play on the ice. Whether it's making a quality pass, a defensive stick, or his positioning on the ice - O'Reilly passed all tests with flying colours. He had reportedly played defence until he was 16 years old, and his defensive awareness is visible when he plays forward. His preseason was so good, O'Reilly became a dark horse candidate to make the roster.

The biggest knock on O'Reilly as a prospect so far has been his lack of scoring, but even that could change this season. Last year he was buried in the bottom six on a stacked Knights team, but with graduating players, he'll have a much more elevated role this year. In 7 games already this year, O'Reilly's scored 2 goals and 5 points.

Oilers fans should be getting excited for Sam O'Reilly playing games in the NHL within the next few years. Edmonton may have gotten sneaky good value out of the 32nd overall pick.