The Oilers traded into the first round of the 2024 NHL Draft to select the London Knights center, Sam O'Reilly
The Oilers traded into the first round of the 2024 NHL Draft to select the London Knights center, Sam O'Reilly
The Edmonton Oilers trade up into the first round of the 2024 NHL Draft to select London Knights center Sam O’Reilly.
O’Reilly started the season as a C-rated prospect by NHL Central Scouting. Now, he finds himself as a first round pick.
The Oilers' first-rounder elevated his draft value by his play in the playoffs and Memorial Cup tournament. He played a pivotal top six role for London on the way to winning the OHL Championship, showcasing his 200ft skill, physicality, and reliability in defensive situations. Scouts rave about his compete level.
“I felt as a year one I kept progressing and kept getting better at the little things. One of my goals was to stay consistent and eventually move up into the role I was given,” said O’Reilly on how he felt his rookie season went in the OHL.
*No. 23 in Green and White
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Sam is excellent at reading the play without the puck and putting himself in defensive spots to bring up the opponent’s attack. He developed the trust of Dale Hunter to put him in tough defensive matchups this season and to take important defensive zone faceoffs on the penalty kill or while defending a one-goal lead.
Offensively, pucks are on and off his stick in a flash, and he does a great job at surveying his passing options while under pressure. He processes the game at a fast pace and his vision is terrific.
How would the new Edmonton Oilers prospect describe his game?
“I think I am a 200ft, power forward. I can play in different scenarios. I like to model my game after Matthew Tkachuk and a bit of Bo Horvat.”
Additionally, his favorite player growing up was Nazem Kadri, as Sam grew up a Maple Leafs fan. Clearly, someone likes the grit and physical aspect of the sport.
McKeen’s Hockey Director of Scouting Brock Otten had this say about O’Reilly and his power forward mentality, “He’s a throwback kind of center and plays a heavy game. He is a feared open-ice hitter who is very physical in pursuit of the puck. He works the wall well and tires out defenders in the cycle.”
We asked O'Reilly at the NHL Draft Combine earlier in the month about what he's focused on improving during his off-season training.
“Working on my skating. My first three steps of acceleration. I’ll be doing a lot of power skating and working hard in the gym.”
Improving his skating to match the NHL pace will be the No. 1 priority in his development. Also, he isn’t a highly creative pivot who can control the offense. Meaning, developing his puck skills in tight and taking more chances offensively will be beneficial.
O’Reilly’s potential is a middle six center who can handle tough matchups, makes opponents' lives a nightmare with his physicality, and kills penalties.
Is this London Knights product bound for a similar breakout season to the one his teammate Easton Cowan just had? Both had nearly identical draft seasons.