This franchise has struggled for the past decade. despite adding some great young talent through the Draft. But as these players get more experience and another year where they will add a top-3 talent, the future is bright for this organization that was once a dynasty on the ice.
It’s looking like it will come down to Edmonton and Toronto for the first overall pick this summer and for the Oilers, it’s important to get this selection right as the team doesn’t have a pick in round two. With that being said, the latest mocks still have Auston Matthews as the top prospect in the latest player rankings and adding the young winger could be just what this franchise needs to breakout of their long slump.
Mathews is the type of player that not only dominates his opposition, but he lifts the game of those who play with him on the ice. While not in the same category as the “Great One,” this 18-year-old could become the next face of this franchise, but only if they get the first pick in June.
Chris Ransom has suggested that the front office add Jakob Chychrun if they pick in the number two slot. The young defender has added 20 pounds over the last year, but has continued to dominate on both ends of the ice. At 6’2″ 215 pounds, he already has the size to handle the grind of the NHL season and there’s no doubt this franchise needs some help on the back line.
While the team has no picks in round two, the good news is they have two early picks in the third round and while it might take some time to develop this talent, at some point adding all these youngsters will pay off. Look for the front office to add some help in the net and another big defender in the later rounds and with a bit of luck, the 2016-17 season could be the year this team finally makes it move.
