Under the Radar Oilers Prospect Turning Heads With Soaring Production
The Edmonton Oilers haven't had much luck developing under the radar offensive prospects, but one long shot in Matvey Petrov is starting to turn heads.
Petrov was drafted in the 6th round by the Oilers in 2021 after an incredibly successful junior career, but his stock had declined after a rough first AHL year and training camp.
In the last few weeks though, Petrov's offensive production has begun to soar, exciting prospect experts that he can rediscover some of his offensive talent from junior.
Petrov made an incredible play on a goal in the Condors last game that may hold up so far as the best play of his career. Petrov's offensive skill to take a pass and beat several defenceman was on full display.
Now in 26 games, Petrov is up to 8 goals and 13 points - nearly surpassing his point totals from all of last year. He's also performing well on the defensive side, leading the Condors forwards in plus minus.
In two junior seasons with the OHL's Brampton Battalion, Petrov scored an incredible 183 points. He may not reach those career numbers ever again, but there's clearly an offensive player here.
The Condors should be putting some emphasis on developing these young offensive prospects, putting them on a pipeline for success in the NHL.
Edmonton botched this process most recently with Dylan Holloway and Philip Broberg, and while Petrov may not be on the same level of prospect, the Oilers still need to take a lesson from that mistake.
For now, Petrov is giving Oilers fans and the organization some hope than he can rekindle his offensive game at the pro level, and could perhaps be a NHL contributor.
More details and analysis to come.
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