Edmonton Oilers Development Camp Offers First Glimpse at Future Stars and Rising Prospects Chasing Their NHL Dreams in Alberta

The Edmonton Oilers have made their aspirations crystal clear over the last several seasons—this team is built to win now, but the pipeline of young talent remains crucial to sustaining that success. With Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and a core group of elite veterans chasing the franchise’s long-awaited Stanley Cup glory, the annual Development Camp offers a quieter but equally vital glimpse into the Oilers’ future.

This week in Edmonton, the team welcomed an exciting group of prospects to Rogers Place and the Downtown Community Arena for its highly anticipated 2025 Development Camp. The event is not just a showcase of raw skill, but an intense, hands-on crash course in what it takes to succeed at the NHL level, delivered by Oilers coaches, development staff, and player development experts.

For many young prospects, this camp represents their first official experience wearing the Oilers crest. For others—returning draft picks, undrafted free agents, and invitees—it’s a pivotal opportunity to prove how far they’ve progressed since last year and how close they are to making the NHL roster.

While much of the city’s attention remains focused on the NHL club’s recent playoff run and the long-term futures of McDavid and Draisaitl, Development Camp quietly serves as a foundation for what’s next. For General Manager Jeff Jackson and the Oilers’ hockey operations department, this week is all about evaluation, mentorship, and laying the groundwork for a new generation of Oilers.

Familiar Names and Fresh Faces

The roster for this year’s Development Camp includes a mix of recent draft picks, free-agent signees, and undrafted players invited to earn a longer look from Oilers brass. Notably, the team’s 2025 first-round pick, defenseman Marcus Havelid, headlines the group. The 18-year-old Swedish blue-liner arrived in Edmonton fresh off an impressive season in the Swedish Hockey League, bringing with him the mobility, vision, and two-way instincts that made him such a coveted selection last month.

Alongside Havelid are several players from recent drafts, including 2023 second-rounder Beau Akey, who is pushing hard to prove he’s ready to make the leap to the professional ranks after excelling with the Barrie Colts in the OHL.

Another standout is American forward Carter Sotheran, a towering 6-foot-4 winger whose combination of size and offensive skill has drawn favorable comparisons to modern NHL power forwards. Sotheran, a 2024 third-round pick, made it clear during the first two days of camp that he intends to challenge for a spot on the Bakersfield Condors roster this fall.

Invited undrafted players also add intrigue. Each year, the Oilers Development Camp has produced hidden gems—players overlooked in the NHL Draft who use this stage to catch the eyes of scouts and coaches. Last summer, goaltender Nathan Day turned a camp invite into an entry-level contract, and he’s now among the most-watched netminders in the Oilers’ system.

What Development Camp Really Means

Beyond the drills, scrimmages, and systems work, Development Camp serves as a crash course in professionalism. Oilers Director of Player Development Rick Pracey emphasized that the week is about much more than on-ice performance.

“It’s a holistic approach,” Pracey told reporters after Day 1. “We want these young men to understand the expectations of being an Edmonton Oiler, both on and off the ice. Nutrition, training habits, mental preparation—it’s all part of the process.”

Prospects participate in fitness testing, educational seminars on mental health and media training, and detailed off-ice conditioning programs. For some, particularly international players adjusting to life in North America, Development Camp also provides an early chance to acclimate to the Oilers’ facilities, staff, and the city itself.

“It’s overwhelming, but in a good way,” Havelid admitted after his first skate in an Oilers jersey. “You grow up watching the NHL, seeing these buildings on TV, and then suddenly you’re here. You realize how much work is ahead, but that’s the exciting part.”

Eyes on the Future

While Development Camp isn’t necessarily about determining the immediate NHL roster, standout performances can accelerate a prospect’s timeline. Oilers fans need only look to recent graduates of the program—Dylan Holloway, Philip Broberg, and Raphael Lavoie all made their NHL debuts within two years of participating in camp, thanks in part to making strong early impressions.

Of particular interest this year is the Oilers’ defensive prospect pool. With Edmonton’s blue-line depth tested during the recent playoff battles, organizational reinforcements are a priority. Havelid, Akey, and 2022 fourth-rounder Nikita Yevseyev are among the young defensemen drawing early praise, and the internal competition among this group is seen as a healthy sign for the club’s long-term stability on the back end.

Goaltending remains another focal point. Olivier Rodrigue and Nathan Day are both present, working closely with Oilers goaltending coach Dustin Schwartz. The position has been a subject of debate among Oilers fans in recent years, and while the team remains confident in Stuart Skinner as the present solution, eyes are firmly fixed on the netminders in development.

Culture and Chemistry

Development Camp also fosters relationships among prospects that can carry into their professional careers. Chemistry built during these early days often translates to Bakersfield or other minor-league affiliates, creating a smoother transition for players when they advance through the system.

“You create those bonds early,” Sotheran said. “Whether it’s on the ice or grabbing dinner after practice, you get to know the guys. Down the road, when you’re teammates in Bakersfield or fighting for jobs at main camp, those connections help.”

This culture-building aspect has been a hallmark of the Oilers’ developmental approach under Jeff Jackson’s leadership. With stability at the top and an emphasis on character, Edmonton has sought to ensure prospects not only possess elite hockey skills but also embody the values expected of an Oiler.

Edmonton’s Passion on Display

Though Development Camp sessions aren’t ticketed like NHL games, the Oilers opened certain practices to the public, drawing a surprisingly large and enthusiastic crowd to Rogers Place. Young fans wearing McDavid, Draisaitl, and Holloway jerseys packed the stands, eager for a glimpse of the franchise’s next generation.

For many in attendance, seeing players like Havelid and Sotheran in action was a reminder that the Oilers’ future remains bright, even as the focus stays on contending for championships in the present.

“It shows how much this city cares,” Havelid said, smiling. “You can feel the passion, even at practice. It makes you want to be part of this for a long time.”

The Bigger Picture

Development Camp concludes later this week with a scrimmage and exit interviews. While few final roster decisions hinge on this camp alone, strong performances can earn invitations to the Oilers’ main training camp later this summer, or even an early look in preseason action.

For the players, this week represents both opportunity and education. For the organization, it’s another step in building a sustainable contender around its elite core.

And for Oilers fans, it’s a reminder that even with stars like McDavid and Draisaitl leading the charge, the work to secure the team’s long-term success never stops.

As the Development Camp wraps up, eyes will turn toward training camp and another run at hockey’s ultimate prize. But the seeds planted this week in Edmonton could be the difference-makers in the seasons to come.