Top Oilers prospect late scratch from rookie training camp tournament
The Edmonton Oilers are gearing up for the first game of their rookie tournament tonight, and one prospect was officially pulled from the lineup today.
Beau Akey will not be suiting up for the Oilers in any of the three games this weekend, according to Tony Brar. Akey has been ranked as high as the 5th best prospect in the Oilers organization.
Akey is still recovering from a serious shoulder injury from last season that required surgery to rectify. The 19 year old only played 14 games with the OHL's Barrie Colts last season before sustaining the injury, missing almost an entire season of hockey. Akey was cleared to return to play by doctors a few weeks ago, but it seems they're being overly cautious about his recovery - or another issue has come up.
It's disappointing that fans won't get to see Akey in action alongside the Oilers other top prospects. Akey was drafted in the second round by the Oilers in 2023, and was arguably a steal to be drafted that late. The 6'0 tall right shot defenceman is an incredibly smooth skater and produced at a prolific offensive rate before his injury. At least he's on the ice and training for the upcoming season, that he'll likely play back in junior again.
Hopefully Akey can put together another positive season in junior this year and move past huge lost year to the shoulder injury. Akey will be an interesting prospect to track as a legitimately promising player to make the NHL, but also one of the Oilers' biggest trade assets heading into the year.
Source for Akey stats: HockeyDB - Beau Akey
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