For some players, the NHL preseason is relatively meaningless. It’s a chance to get their body and timing up to speed and nothing more. For others, this is a career-altering time of year. The Edmonton Oilers have numerous players in the latter scenario coming into camp.

In the offseason, the team said goodbye to Corey Perry, Viktor Arvidsson, Connor Brown, Jeff Skinner and Evander Kane. Edmonton parted ways with multiple veteran forwards and will need some fresh blood to come in and replace them.

Many of the Oilers’ opening night hopefuls have never cracked an NHL roster out of camp, so this is a chance to take a big step in their careers. Let’s look at some of the forwards who lack NHL experience, but will look to seize one of the roster spots up for grabs.

The Oilers Traded Ryan McLeod to the Buffalo Sabres for Matt Savoie in July 2024. The highly skilled forward was drafted ninth overall in 2022. Savoie spent last season with the Bakersfield Condors and produced at an impressive clip, finishing with 54 points in 66 games. He earned a four-game call-up to Edmonton last season and picked up an assist.

Why he’s in the mix: Savoie brings speed, creativity, and high-end skill. He excels in all three zones and has serious versatility. He’s an excellent defensive player who can kill penalties but also has the talent and offensive instincts that could help him succeed at the top of the lineup.

What he needs to prove to earn a spot: In short, not much. Stan Bowman has preached the importance of having youth on this year’s Oilers squad, and Savoie is head and shoulders above his young peers in this organization. He looks poised to play in the NHL full-time this year.

On April 2nd, the Oilers signed 29-year-old David Tomasek, an offensive star playing in Sweden, to a one-year deal worth $1.2M. Tomasek led the SHL in Points with an impressive 24-33-57 in 47 games. He’s done nearly a full European tour at this point, playing in the Czech Republic, Finland, Russia, and Sweden over the past 10 years. He hasn’t played in North America since 2014-15.

Why he’s in the mix: The Oilers are short on established right-shot centers, and their offseason departures have left them with available spots at right wing, too. Tomasek is a righty who can play either of these positions of need. He’s got a quick and deceptive shot that should translate well to the NHL, and his recent track record in Sweden suggests there’s intriguing offensive upside with this player.

What he needs to prove to earn a spot: Truthfully, I would be stunned if Tomasek didn’t make the opening night roster this season. With Zach Hyman out until November, I expect to see him in action on October 8th. However, the biggest thing I will be looking for is his skating and ability to navigate North American ice with limited time and space. If he can adapt his game to a smaller surface, he should have no problem making the team.

The most recent big splash of the summer for the Oilers was a prospect trade that helped them acquire 2025 Hobey Baker Award winner, Ike Howard, in exchange for Sam O’Reilly. The former first-round pick of the Tampa Bay Lightning had 52 points in 37 games for Michigan State University last season.

Why he’s in the mix: Howard has NHL-calibre skill and finishing ability, which could make him a nice complementary winger for a skilled centre. One of the things that made Howard more attractive to the Oilers than O’Reilly was that he’s a couple of years older. They likely feel that he will be NHL-ready soon, or even immediately.

What he needs to prove to earn a spot: To make the team out of camp, Howard must prove that some of his weaknesses, namely his play along the boards, have reached a prerequisite level for playing in the NHL. He must also show that he is ready to produce offensively against pros. He struggled a bit in the rookie games against the Calgary Flames, and if it continues into the preseason, he will probably need to spend some time in Bakersfield before he gets an opportunity with the big club.

It has been a long road for Noah Philp. The undrafted right-shot centre finally got his first taste of NHL action last year at age 26, playing 15 games with the Oilers, along with 55 for the Condors. Philp had a productive AHL campaign, registering 35 points.

Why he’s in the mix: Philp has the skillset to be an effective bottom-of-the-lineup NHL player. He was excellent on the penalty kill for Bakersfield last season, which should give him a leg up. He understands how to play away from the puck and chips in well enough offensively. He had a solid showing in his 15 NHL appearances last season. While his usage was limited to just 8:53 5v5 minutes per game, the Oilers won those minutes 5-4, and led in High-Danger Chances 26-16, according to Natural Stat Trick.

What he needs to prove to earn a spot: Producing offence while playing his usual well-rounded game might be enough for Philp to make the team out of camp. His odds increase significantly, though, if he outplays newcomer Curtis Lazar, another right-shot centre.

Like Tomasek and Philp, Quinn Hutson went undrafted. After three seasons of consistent progression in college, however, he earned a contract with the Oilers late last season. The winger had 50 points in 38 games for Boston University and got a two-game cup of coffee in Edmonton.

Why he’s in the mix: As the brother of Lane and Cole Hutson, Quinn shares their smaller frame but high hockey IQ. Despite his lack of size and speed, Hutson’s shooting, passing and responsible two-way game could make him an NHL player sooner rather than later.

What he needs to prove to earn a spot: Hutson will need to stand out this preseason. I don’t think most had him pencilled in on the NHL roster, but after his impressive showing against the Flames last week, and Hyman missing the start of the season, he is gaining some momentum. He will have a chance if he can keep up to a faster pace than he faced in college and in the rookie games.

The Oilers traded Xavier Bourgault and Alex Chiasson for Roby Jarventie in July last year. Jarventie played seven NHL games for the Ottawa Senators in 2023-24 but has spent most of his young career in the minors. He’s had some significant injury setbacks, with a knee issue in the past few years. He only played two games last season for Bakersfield.

Why he’s in the mix: Jarventie has a lot of highly sought-after attributes. He has size, standing at 6’3″, and can shoot and skate well. He’s been productive in the AHL when healthy, picking up nearly a point per game in 24 games the past two seasons.

What he needs to prove to earn a spot: The number one thing he needs to do is stay healthy and prove that he hasn’t missed a beat after being out for nearly an entire season. He has the tools to play in the NHL, and as a lefty, there might be a spot open for him if Howard needs some seasoning in the minors.

While their core remains intact, the Oilers made sweeping changes to their supporting cast at forward this offseason. They’ve bet on a group of younger players who could be effective but lack NHL experience. This year’s preseason will contain a lot of internal competition, and it should be fascinating to watch play out!