One Oilers prospect invited to top NHL showcase event

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Liam McCormick
August 24, 2024 (3:52 PM)

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The Edmonton Oilers recently acquired a new top prospect in Matthew Savoie, but for an upcoming NHLPA Showcase Event, only Olivier Rodrigue will be representing the Oilers.

According to a recent blog from OilersNation, Rodrigue has been selected to attend the Rookie Showcase on September 4th. The goalie will be in the crease facing some of the NHL's best prospects, including Macklin Celebrini, Matvei Michkov, Cutter Gauthier, Easton Cowan, and more.

The 24 year old Rodrigue was drafted by the Oilers in the second round in the 2018 NHL Draft, and is coming off his best season yet in the AHL. Rodrigue posted a .916 save percentage over 37 games, the biggest workload so far in his young professional career. With the Oilers struggling in the crease early last year, there was some calls for him to be summoned for the NHL crease. The team is solid now with Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard, but it's possible that Rodrigue could be given a game in the next season for the Oilers to evaluate him.

Interestingly, Olivier's father Sylvain Rodrigue recently departed the Oilers organization and his role as goalie coach in the AHL. Rodrigue clearly had a great personal connection on the team's coaching staff and the departure may make things different, but Rodrigue is a professional and will be able to adapt.

This is a great sign of recognition across the league for a promising Oilers prospect. It will be a great experience for Rodrigue to be surrounded by that talent - hopefully he thrives at the showcase, and continues to improve in the AHL this season.

Source for Rodrigue Stats: HockeyDB