Oilers long shot draft pick emerging as legitimate NHL player

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Liam McCormick
February 18, 2024 (8:54 PM)

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While the Edmonton Oilers have recently struggled with drafting and developing talents to the NHL level in early rounds, some late round draft picks of the Oilers are emerging as actual prospective NHLers; for a team trying to compete for the Stanley Cup, graduating long shot players to the NHL on cheap contracts is integral to organizational success. OilersNation writer Bruce Curlock recently did a prospect roundup highlighting a few rising long shots.

Tyler Tullio, a fifth round pick of the Oilers in 2020, has been emerging as a player since stepping up and taking Xavier Bourgault's spot in Bakersfield. He's a 5'10 centre and right winger, who's showing promise with a heavy shot and great offensive instincts with limited time and space, like what is needed in the NHL. More so, despite his smaller frame, Tullio is tough as nails and has been known to throw hands in the AHL.

Another prospect highlighted by Curlock is the 20 year old sixth round pick of the Oilers in 2021, Shane LaChance. Hilariously, Curlock compares LaChance to a more offensively inclined Pat Maroon. LaChance has just been promoted to the top line with the projected first overall pick this year, Macklin Celebrini at Boston University. Standing at 6'4 and over 220 pounds, Curlock describes LaChance as a big body and power forward who has struggled with skating, but possess a thunderous shot and soft hands in tight to the net. He's scoring more now promoted to the top line, and his stock is shooting up with the Oilers.

Curlock also highlighted Carter Savoie and Maximus Wanner as prospects that are playing well above their draft expectations at the moment. If the Oilers can get even a few contributions from some long shot draft picks, it will be a massive team success - and it looks like it's coming just a few years down the road.