Training camp for the 2024 season has kicked off. The Edmonton Oilers are a team on a mission. Today we shall study three important names to pay attention to for the Oilers in camp. The three names we shall explore are Matthew Savoie, James Hamblin, and Ty Emberson. Two of these players are likely destined for the Bakersfield Condors of the AHL.
Training Camp Opens Across the NHL and the Oilers Are Understandably Excited
Really you have to look no further than Dylan Holloway‘s face as he gets to Missouri to suit them up for the St. Louis Blues.
A Look At Matt Savoie
The first player to analyze just so happens to be the one with the highest ceiling. Also, he’s an Edmonton-area native. Will Matt Savoie be a first line, 40-goal scorer in the NHL? Oiler fans wish but he could be a productive second liner with skill to spare and wheels to burn.
Savoie was originally a ninth overall pick to the Sabres in 2022. Therefore, he is still on track to become an everyday NHLer by the time he’s 20 or 21. This is a player who had 124 points combined in regular season and playoffs in his last full season as a junior hockey player. He also contributed majorly to the WHL’s Moose Jaw Warriors, who were the 2024 WHL Champions. He might be ready for a big season in the pro game, but shouldn’t be discouraged if that’s in Bakersfield.
The Upgrade on the Backend Ty Emberson
Next up is Ty Emberson. Emberson, for all intents and purposes should be a significant upgrade to Cody Ceci. Of course, that was the player he was swapped out for in the offseason trade. Emberson is a 24-year-old defenceman who is looking to prove that he can be a winner. He has 30 games of NHL experience under his belt. If now isn’t the time, he might start to wonder when it will come. Furthermore, he spent three successful seasons developing at the University of Wisconsin. It would make sense his development has taken its trajectory that its taken. Moreover, the biggest question for Emberson seems to be whether he gets his shot on the third or who knows, second pairing. Camp is all about relationship building, and finding chemistry with a partner. If he and Darnell Nurse are a fit, who knows how their seasons may play out.
The Glue Guy
Last on our list is James Hamblin. Hamblin is destined to be a very good NHL bottom six forward. He has skill, but besides that, he is very responsible. Also, he has been a scorer at each level thus far. Therefore, you’d think his production of three points in 41 NHL games could grow rapidly if given skilled linemates and a regular shift. The Oilers bottom six where very strange last year, and were a big part of the reason for the early season struggles. You know, until Connor McDavid came alive.
Hamblin is a guy who scored 21 goals as a 22 year old in the AHL. Also, his last season in the WHL, with the Medicine Hat Tigers, he buried 92 points in 63 games.
One More Newcomer Was a Los Angeles King Last Year
These are the guys to watch for the Oilers in camp, the 2024 edition. Another newcomer, although a proven NHLer is Viktor Arvidsson. It will be exciting to watch him once he establishes chemistry within the Oilers lineup. If that’s with Leon Draisaitl, it would be hard not to project an 80-point season for Arvidsson. His career-high was achieved in his second NHL season, at just 61. At 31, and having a superstar as your linemate, it could be like playing pond hockey on a cold Alberta morning.
Main Photo Credit: Eric Bolte – USA TODAY Sports
