The Oilers didn't have any other picks until the 5th round this year, and clearly decided to reach for a player with the 32nd overall pick. In exchange, the Oilers sent a conditional first round pick from either this next year or 2026.
With the draft pick, the Oilers selected Sam O'Reilly from the London Knights. The 6'1 winger and center born in Toronto scored 20 goals and 56 points in 68 games. He notably elevated his game for the playoffs, scoring 12 points in 16 games. O'Reilly was ranked 32nd overall, right where the Oilers selected him, by Bob McKenzie of TSN. For the Oilers to make a bold move to acquire this pick, they must have high hopes for the player in their scouting department.
Picking a player from the London Knights, this will only fire the more rumours of Mark Hunger taking the General Manager job in Edmonton. Hunter has been the longtime GM of the London Knights, and has a strong hand in developing players who routinely get drafted in the first round.
According to scouting reports, O'Reilly is a physical forward with an elite shot. His work ethic is repeatedly listed as one of his best traits, which also may practically guarantee him as an NHLer. In that way, he sounds like a young Zach Hyman.
It's the first move made by interim GM and President Jeff Jackson, and it will be extremely interesting to track over the next few seasons. Hopefully, O'Reilly develops into a great player and a value pick for the Oilers down the line.
