Top Oilers prospect cleared for return after season ending injury

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Liam McCormick
August 12, 2024 (3:18 PM)

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Oilers prospect Beau Akey has been cleared to return to game action after missing almost the entirety of last season with a shoulder injury.

The Edmonton Oilers selected Akey in the second round of the 2023 Draft, and he quickly impressed the organization with a solid training camp in the fall. Akey signed a three year entry level contract, but returned to the OHL's Barrie Colts. After only 14 games, he suffered a season ending shoulder injury.

Akey is a six foot tall right handed defenceman which is an asset in its own right, but has many other tools that make him a top prospect. He's been described as a smooth skater with the poise and confidence to make plays with the puck, especially crisp passes. His defensive ability is fine as well, and Akey could develop into a quality NHL player in a few years. Most recently, he'd been ranked the 5th best prospect in the Oilers system by Bob Stauffer.

Akey has been back with the Oilers organization at their off-ice development camp this summer, but is now anxious to get back onto the ice. In a recent interview with NHL.com, Akey said it was tough mentally to be removed from the game for so long, but he's grateful for the full opportunity to heal a number of minor injuries as well.

"We'll see where his offensive game goes. We think there is offensive potential and offensive upside even at the highest level.»
-Rick Pracey

During his time off, he had spent time studying the game as a coach would, so hopefully that will improve his in-game results. Now, he just needs to get back to playing. Oilers Director of Scouting Rick Pracey still has high praise for Akey, saying they believe he's got high upside in the NHL, and now need to get to work developing him. Hopefully he has another good training camp, and continues to improve this year.

Source: NHL.com

Oilers willing to be patient with Akey after shoulder surgery