Oilers prospects excel in NCAA season

The Edmonton Oilers have five prospects currently developing in the NCAA, marking a significant shift in the league's approach to player development. Paul Fischer, acquired from the St. Louis Blues, is playing for the University of Notre Dame, where he has achieved career highs with six goals and 17 assists for 23 points in 32 games.

Bauer Berry, a seventh-round selection in the 2024 NHL draft, is a big-bodied defenceman at the University of St. Thomas, contributing three goals and nine assists for 12 points in 35 games. Dalyn Wakely, a forechecking forward drafted in the sixth round of 2024, is with Umass-Lowell and has scored seven goals and 12 assists for 19 points in 34 games.

Aidan Park, another seventh-round pick from the 2025 draft, is playing for the University of Michigan, recording eight goals and seven assists for 15 points in 34 games. Lastly, Asher Barnett, a defenceman also at Michigan, has tallied five goals and 12 assists for 17 points in 34 games and was selected to represent Team USA at the World Juniors.

Many of these prospects have shown promising development under the Oilers' strategy, which aims to build a strong foundation for the team's future depth.