Edmonton Oilers Development Camp Showcases 27 Exciting Prospects Including Matt Savoie, Sam O’Reilly, and Beau Akey

The Edmonton Oilers are wasting no time preparing for the future as their 2024 Development Camp is officially underway, bringing together 27 of the organization’s most promising young players, including standout prospects Matt Savoie, Sam O’Reilly, and Beau Akey. The annual camp serves as a pivotal moment for both the players and the organization, offering invaluable development opportunities and giving fans an early glimpse into the next wave of Oilers talent.

Held at the Oilers’ state-of-the-art training facilities, this year’s Development Camp has generated significant buzz among Oilers Nation, particularly with the inclusion of highly touted names like Matt Savoie. The 20-year-old forward, selected by the Buffalo Sabres in the 2022 NHL Draft and acquired by Edmonton in a notable trade last season, is seen as a critical part of the Oilers’ future plans. Known for his blazing speed, offensive creativity, and relentless work ethic, Savoie’s presence at camp underscores the Oilers’ commitment to building a deeper, more dynamic roster around their NHL core.

Joining Savoie are other notable prospects such as Sam O’Reilly, the Oilers’ 2023 second-round pick, and Beau Akey, an offensively gifted defenseman drafted by Edmonton in 2023 as well. Both players have drawn praise from scouts and management alike for their skill development, maturity, and high hockey IQ. O’Reilly, a skilled forward with a knack for finding open ice, and Akey, whose puck-moving ability from the blue line has turned heads, are among those considered key building blocks for Edmonton’s long-term success.

Throughout the week-long camp, prospects have engaged in rigorous on-ice sessions, skill development drills, strength and conditioning assessments, and classroom work focused on professional habits and systems play. The camp’s structure is designed not only to evaluate talent but also to immerse these young players in the Oilers’ culture, expectations, and standards at both the NHL and AHL levels.

Edmonton’s Director of Player Development, Rick Carriere, spoke highly of the group’s effort and progression, emphasizing how camps like this lay the foundation for future success.

“We’re thrilled with the group we have here this year,” Carriere stated. “It’s a tremendous mix of drafted players, free agent invites, and young guys eager to prove themselves. Our focus is on development—helping these players understand what it takes to make that next step, whether that’s in Bakersfield (AHL) or eventually here in Edmonton.”

The camp features a diverse roster of players from various leagues and backgrounds, including those from the Canadian Hockey League (CHL), NCAA, European leagues, and undrafted invitees seeking to earn a spot within the organization. It serves as a proving ground where performance, effort, and coachability often matter more than draft pedigree.

Matt Savoie, arguably the biggest name on the roster, has already garnered significant attention during the early sessions. His combination of speed, vision, and offensive instincts has been on full display, drawing praise from Oilers’ development staff and generating excitement among fans. Acquired by Edmonton as part of the blockbuster trade that sent Ryan McLeod to Buffalo, Savoie is seen as a player who could make an immediate impact at the NHL level, potentially competing for a roster spot as early as next season.

“I’m just here to learn and absorb as much as I can,” Savoie remarked after one of the sessions. “The Oilers organization has been fantastic, and I want to show that I can contribute in any way they need me to. Development camp is a great opportunity to work on the little details and get familiar with the staff, systems, and expectations.”

Beau Akey has also been a standout during the camp, particularly during defensive drills and small-area games. Known for his mobility and offensive upside from the blue line, Akey is considered one of the Oilers’ top defensive prospects. His ability to transition the puck quickly and contribute to the rush aligns well with the modern NHL style the Oilers are cultivating.

Sam O’Reilly, on the other hand, has impressed with his all-around game, including strong defensive responsibility and smart offensive reads. O’Reilly, who spent the previous season honing his skills in junior hockey, has demonstrated growth in both his skating and positional play, which has not gone unnoticed by the coaching staff.

Beyond the marquee names, the camp has provided a platform for lesser-known prospects and invitees to make their mark. Players like forward Maximus Wanner, defenseman Jake Sloan, and goaltender Nathan Day have shown flashes of potential, making cases for further evaluation as the organization looks to build depth throughout its system.

Development Camp is not solely about on-ice performance; off-ice education and team-building activities are essential components as well. Players have participated in seminars covering topics such as nutrition, mental preparation, media training, and community involvement. These sessions aim to prepare prospects for the demands of life as a professional athlete, reinforcing the importance of discipline, character, and consistency.

One of the camp’s most anticipated events is the three-on-three tournament scheduled for Thursday at 2:00 PM inside the Downtown Community Arena. The fan-friendly event is free of charge, providing Oilers supporters with a firsthand look at the organization’s future stars in a competitive yet entertaining environment. The fast-paced, high-skill format of the tournament often highlights individual creativity, quick decision-making, and chemistry among prospects, making it a must-watch for hockey enthusiasts.

Fans are encouraged to attend, not only to witness the exciting talent pool on display but to engage with the Oilers’ developmental process. Events like this foster a deeper connection between the team and its passionate fan base, offering a rare opportunity to see potential NHL players in an intimate setting before they make their mark at Rogers Place.

The Oilers’ Development Camp arrives at a critical time for the organization, following their deep playoff run and ongoing pursuit of a Stanley Cup. With a core featuring superstars like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, the franchise is keenly aware that building a pipeline of young talent is essential to sustained success. Development Camp serves as a vital step in ensuring that when roster spots become available, capable, well-prepared players are ready to seize the opportunity.

General Manager Ken Holland has repeatedly emphasized the importance of drafting and development as pillars of the Oilers’ long-term vision. By investing in events like this camp and fostering growth within the organization, Edmonton aims to maintain its competitiveness while ensuring a steady influx of young, hungry talent.

As the camp progresses, all eyes will remain on how prospects like Savoie, Akey, and O’Reilly continue to develop. Their performances this week could very well shape the Oilers’ future roster decisions, particularly as training camp approaches and the competition for NHL jobs intensifies.

In the meantime, Oilers fans can relish the excitement of seeing the next generation up close, with Thursday’s three-on-three finale serving as the perfect capstone to an eventful week. With 27 eager prospects pushing each other to be better, the Oilers’ Development Camp is more than just drills and scrimmages—it’s a glimpse into a bright, promising future for hockey in Edmonton.