<p>The big prospect news of the week comes courtesy of the big club, with the <a href="https://oilersnation.com/news/who-do-the-edmonton-oilers-still-have-at-training-camp">Edmonton Oilers making cuts</a>. Among those cuts are young players like Atro Leppanen, Josh Samanski, Quinn Hutson, Viljami Marjala, and Connor Clattenburg. The Bakersfield Condors roster is shaping up to be a strong one, with these young additions joining their camp.</p>
<p></p>
<p>I liked what I saw from all of the prospects who were cut, but the most impressive for me was Josh Samanski. Samanski showed off his two-way work ethic throughout the preseason and even scored a couple of great goals. The powerful center will be somebody to watch in Bakersfield as a potential call-up if injuries hit Edmonton&#8217;s bottom-six later in the season.</p>
<p><a href="https://oilersnation.com/news/edmonton-oilers-beauty-matt-savoie-big-year-for-ty-emberson">Matt Savoie</a> and <a href="https://oilersnation.com/news/better-and-better-every-day-underwhelming-early-edmonton-oilers-ike-howard-begins-to-find-way">Ike Howard</a> survived this round of cuts, as expected. As the preseason rolled along, the two young forwards got better each game and began adjusting to the NHL pace of play. I thought Ike Howard played some of his best hockey toward the end of preseason. The former Michigan State Spartan was disappointing in the early rookie games, but since then, Howard has shown his offensive potential with a power-play goal on a beautiful one-timer and multiple assists. Savoie, meanwhile, looks like a puck hound for years to come. The ninth overall pick from the 2022 draft was all over the ice during the preseason, getting looks in key defensive situations and even some penalty-killing time. The St. Albert product finally scored his well-deserved first goal of the preseason against the Seattle Kraken. Both Howard and Savoie impressed me throughout camp. Are they ready for the roles the Oilers need them to play? That remains to be seen.</p>
<h2>Albin Sundin – Defence – Timra IK</h2>
<p>Playing in two games <a href="https://oilersnation.com/news/edmonton-oilers-prospect-update-top-2025-draft-picks-tommy-lafreniere-david-lewandowski-make-season-debuts-whl">since the last update</a>, the Swedish defenceman is still stuck at one goal on the year. Sundin logged 19:23 with four shots on net against Djurgarden, then 19:55 against Rogle. The lack of offence isn’t due to effort. I’ve been impressed with the chances Sundin generates. In the clips below, you’ll see him create a high-danger look after a series of strong plays, though he couldn’t finish.</p>
<div class="jetpack-video-wrapper"><iframe loading="lazy" title="Albin Sundin Sept 27 - Great Fake and Net Drive" width="1424" height="801" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/idZLiHUqo5I?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<div class="jetpack-video-wrapper"><iframe loading="lazy" title="Albin Sundin Sept 27 - Shot on Net from Circles" width="1424" height="801" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WSi5LEpcueA?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<p>Sundin’s confidence with the puck continues to stand out. Even under pressure, he stays calm, finds outlets, and sparks breakouts.</p>
<div class="jetpack-video-wrapper"><iframe loading="lazy" title="Albin Sundin Sept 27 - Cross Ice Breakout Pass" width="1424" height="801" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pu8Eo6VIrPs?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<div class="jetpack-video-wrapper"><iframe loading="lazy" title="Albin Sundin Sept 30 - Confident and Composed with Puck" width="1424" height="801" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/J09p1Mwcapk?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<p data-start="2211" data-end="2511">When given room to skate, he eats it up and leads the rush. In one clip, he collects a loose puck, fakes to the middle with clever weight shifts, and gets a shot away.</p>
<div class="jetpack-video-wrapper"><iframe loading="lazy" title="Albin Sundin Sept 30 - Steal and Leads Rush" width="1424" height="801" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ySC8tcxBPgs?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<p>His offensive instincts remain impressive. If his skating takes another step forward, Sundin could elevate his game even more.</p>
<h2>Maxim Beryozkin – Winger – Lokomotiv</h2>
<p>There’s no way around it: Beryozkin is in a slump. With zero goals on the year, it’s becoming concerning.</p>
<p>Watching the games, you can’t help but wonder if it’s poor finishing ability or just terrible luck. In two games since the last update, the Russian winger played his usual role with his usual minutes, but I’d like to see him used differently on the power play rather than locked into the net-front spot.</p>
<p>Despite a quiet week, his defensive effort has remained consistent, which is encouraging. Below is a clip of his defensive hustle leading to a breakout. In another, he intercepts a pass and creates a transition chance for himself.</p>
<div class="jetpack-video-wrapper"><iframe loading="lazy" title="Maxim Beryozkin Sept 29 - Defence Leads to Exit and Entry" width="1424" height="801" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/u7rKyDFPK78?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<p>Even in the next clip Beryozkin steals a pass and takes it in transition for a shot on net.</p>
<div class="jetpack-video-wrapper"><iframe loading="lazy" title="Maxim Beryozkin Oct 1 - Steal and Shot in Transition" width="1424" height="801" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Mo16D4UzDOc?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<p>The powerful winger is trying to make a difference in the offensive zone, but he just can&#8217;t buy a goal. Below are some clips of the chances Beryozkin had in his two games.</p>
<div class="jetpack-video-wrapper"><iframe loading="lazy" title="Maxim Beryozkin Oct 1 - Chance on Net" width="1424" height="801" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/F8OqIUQq8_I?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<div class="jetpack-video-wrapper"><iframe loading="lazy" title="Maxim Beryozkin Oct 1 - Another Chance on Net" width="1424" height="801" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YyAx2o6Z8-0?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<div class="jetpack-video-wrapper"><iframe loading="lazy" title="Maxim Beryozkin Sept 29 - Two Shots" width="1424" height="801" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mGD8J-Wv5NE?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<div class="jetpack-video-wrapper"><iframe loading="lazy" title="Maxim Beryozkin Sept 29 - 3 on 3 Net Drive Chance" width="1424" height="801" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/l7TEHf3holM?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<p>These are all great chances to score your first goal of the season, but unfortunately it wasn&#8217;t the case for Maxim this week. The chances are coming, but the 2020 selection needs to find a way to start taking advantage of these opportunities because they don&#8217;t come around often in the NHL.</p>
<h2>Nikita Yevseyev &#8211; Defence &#8211; Khabarovsk</h2>
<p>In one game since the last update, Yevseyev logged 20:59 in a 3-1 loss to Avtomobilist. It was one of his quieter outings, as he struggled with puck movement. In one clip, you’ll see him rush two passes despite having time and space.</p>
<div class="jetpack-video-wrapper"><iframe loading="lazy" title="Nikita Yevseyev Oct 1 - Two Bad Passes" width="1424" height="801" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dUiYyedCrPQ?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<p>Even with time and space the young defender will still make a rushed pass or play. But then there will be times where he shows off the ability to make the right read and pass as you will see in this next clip with the breakout pass he makes.</p>
<div class="jetpack-video-wrapper"><iframe loading="lazy" title="Nikita Yevseyev Oct 1 - Good Breakout Pass up Middle" width="1424" height="801" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fPB8VNNiPr8?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<p>Decision-making with the puck is still an area he must improve, but Yevseyev also shows flashes of strong reads, like a clean breakout pass featured below. Defensively, he continues to play physically, sealing off opponents with big hits.</p>
<div class="jetpack-video-wrapper"><iframe loading="lazy" title="Nikita Yevseyev Oct 1 - Big Hit" width="1424" height="801" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5j_Kqt_medw?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<p>Despite his flaws, the 21-year-old remains Khabarovsk’s leader in ice time per game and is tied for second in team scoring. That workload speaks volumes about his value.</p>
<h2>Tommy Lafrenière – Centre – Kamloops</h2>
<p>Lafrenière had his best game of the season in a 6-0 win for Kamloops, scoring his first goal on the power play by being in the right spot at the right time.</p>
<div class="jetpack-video-wrapper"><iframe loading="lazy" title="Tommy Lafreniere Sept 27 - PP Goal in Front" width="1424" height="801" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tBD4Vak4XKU?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<p>What really stood out was his speed. In one clip, he flies through the neutral zone in transition. In another, he pulls away for a third-period breakaway. He also used his wheels defensively, skating away from pressure to create clean exits.</p>
<div class="jetpack-video-wrapper"><iframe loading="lazy" title="Tommy Lafreniere Sept 27 - Transition Rush Leads to Chance" width="1424" height="801" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8arW6KFdnhM?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<p>In this next clip Lafreniere pulls away for a breakaway chance in the third period.</p>
<div class="jetpack-video-wrapper"><iframe loading="lazy" title="Tommy Lafreniere Sept 27 - Breakaway Chance" width="1424" height="801" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LtuslRCwBLA?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<p>Not only was the Quebec native using his speed for offence but in the next two clips Lafreniere was using it to skate away from pressure in his own zone leading to clean breakouts.</p>
<div class="jetpack-video-wrapper"><iframe loading="lazy" title="Tommy Lafreniere Sept 27 - Skates Out of Trouble" width="1424" height="801" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jpgFij1dxkg?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<div class="jetpack-video-wrapper"><iframe loading="lazy" title="Tommy Lafreniere Sept 27 - Skates Away From Pressure and Makes Pass" width="1424" height="801" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VcCbUTw4vRQ?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<p>A strong all-around performance for the third-rounder. His next step will be varying his pace and attacking the middle more in transition.</p>
<h2>David Lewandowski – Winger – Saskatoon Blades</h2>
<p>Lewandowski had a rough outing in a 4-1 loss to Medicine Hat. The German import was quiet throughout and two of his turnovers directly led to goals against. Still, even in tough games, he flashes skill — like drawing two defenders before slipping a backhand saucer pass for an entry. He also created a couple of chances late in the first period but couldn’t finish.</p>
<div class="jetpack-video-wrapper"><iframe loading="lazy" title="David Lewandowski Sept 27 - Backhand Pass to Middle for Entry" width="1424" height="801" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/X2TvbUg0YqU?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<p>In the final clip Lewandowski gets some chances late in the first but fails to capitalize on either of them.</p>
<div class="jetpack-video-wrapper"><iframe loading="lazy" title="David Lewandowski Sept 27 - PP Sequence" width="1424" height="801" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OffGz8c9_xI?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<p>It was one of his weakest games to date, but I’m not concerned. Lewandowski has been strong overall, and this feels like a one-off. Expect him to bounce back in Saskatoon’s next set of games.</p>
<p>That&#8217;s all for now! I&#8217;ll be back in a few days with an update from this upcoming weekend.</p>

The big prospect news of the week comes courtesy of the big club, with the <a href="https://oilersnation.com/news/who-do-the-edmonton-oilers-still-have-at-training-camp">Edmonton Oilers making cuts</a>. Among those cuts are young players like Atro Leppanen, Josh Samanski, Quinn Hutson, Viljami Marjala, and Connor Clattenburg. The Bakersfield Condors roster is shaping up to be a strong one, with these young additions joining their camp.



I liked what I saw from all of the prospects who were cut, but the most impressive for me was Josh Samanski. Samanski showed off his two-way work ethic throughout the preseason and even scored a couple of great goals. The powerful center will be somebody to watch in Bakersfield as a potential call-up if injuries hit Edmonton's bottom-six later in the season.

<a href="https://oilersnation.com/news/edmonton-oilers-beauty-matt-savoie-big-year-for-ty-emberson">Matt Savoie</a> and <a href="https://oilersnation.com/news/better-and-better-every-day-underwhelming-early-edmonton-oilers-ike-howard-begins-to-find-way">Ike Howard</a> survived this round of cuts, as expected. As the preseason rolled along, the two young forwards got better each game and began adjusting to the NHL pace of play. I thought Ike Howard played some of his best hockey toward the end of preseason. The former Michigan State Spartan was disappointing in the early rookie games, but since then, Howard has shown his offensive potential with a power-play goal on a beautiful one-timer and multiple assists. Savoie, meanwhile, looks like a puck hound for years to come. The ninth overall pick from the 2022 draft was all over the ice during the preseason, getting looks in key defensive situations and even some penalty-killing time. The St. Albert product finally scored his well-deserved first goal of the preseason against the Seattle Kraken. Both Howard and Savoie impressed me throughout camp. Are they ready for the roles the Oilers need them to play? That remains to be seen.
<h2>Albin Sundin – Defence – Timra IK</h2>
Playing in two games <a href="https://oilersnation.com/news/edmonton-oilers-prospect-update-top-2025-draft-picks-tommy-lafreniere-david-lewandowski-make-season-debuts-whl">since the last update</a>, the Swedish defenceman is still stuck at one goal on the year. Sundin logged 19:23 with four shots on net against Djurgarden, then 19:55 against Rogle. The lack of offence isn’t due to effort. I’ve been impressed with the chances Sundin generates. In the clips below, you’ll see him create a high-danger look after a series of strong plays, though he couldn’t finish.

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=idZLiHUqo5I[/embed]

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WSi5LEpcueA[/embed]

Sundin’s confidence with the puck continues to stand out. Even under pressure, he stays calm, finds outlets, and sparks breakouts.

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pu8Eo6VIrPs[/embed]

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J09p1Mwcapk[/embed]
<p data-start="2211" data-end="2511">When given room to skate, he eats it up and leads the rush. In one clip, he collects a loose puck, fakes to the middle with clever weight shifts, and gets a shot away.</p>
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ySC8tcxBPgs[/embed]

His offensive instincts remain impressive. If his skating takes another step forward, Sundin could elevate his game even more.
<h2>Maxim Beryozkin – Winger – Lokomotiv</h2>
There’s no way around it: Beryozkin is in a slump. With zero goals on the year, it’s becoming concerning.

Watching the games, you can’t help but wonder if it’s poor finishing ability or just terrible luck. In two games since the last update, the Russian winger played his usual role with his usual minutes, but I’d like to see him used differently on the power play rather than locked into the net-front spot.

Despite a quiet week, his defensive effort has remained consistent, which is encouraging. Below is a clip of his defensive hustle leading to a breakout. In another, he intercepts a pass and creates a transition chance for himself.

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7rKyDFPK78[/embed]

Even in the next clip Beryozkin steals a pass and takes it in transition for a shot on net.

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mo16D4UzDOc[/embed]

The powerful winger is trying to make a difference in the offensive zone, but he just can't buy a goal. Below are some clips of the chances Beryozkin had in his two games.

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F8OqIUQq8_I[/embed]

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YyAx2o6Z8-0[/embed]

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mGD8J-Wv5NE[/embed]

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7TEHf3holM[/embed]

These are all great chances to score your first goal of the season, but unfortunately it wasn't the case for Maxim this week. The chances are coming, but the 2020 selection needs to find a way to start taking advantage of these opportunities because they don't come around often in the NHL.
<h2>Nikita Yevseyev - Defence - Khabarovsk</h2>
In one game since the last update, Yevseyev logged 20:59 in a 3-1 loss to Avtomobilist. It was one of his quieter outings, as he struggled with puck movement. In one clip, you’ll see him rush two passes despite having time and space.

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dUiYyedCrPQ[/embed]

Even with time and space the young defender will still make a rushed pass or play. But then there will be times where he shows off the ability to make the right read and pass as you will see in this next clip with the breakout pass he makes.

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fPB8VNNiPr8[/embed]

Decision-making with the puck is still an area he must improve, but Yevseyev also shows flashes of strong reads, like a clean breakout pass featured below. Defensively, he continues to play physically, sealing off opponents with big hits.

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5j_Kqt_medw[/embed]

Despite his flaws, the 21-year-old remains Khabarovsk’s leader in ice time per game and is tied for second in team scoring. That workload speaks volumes about his value.
<h2>Tommy Lafrenière – Centre – Kamloops</h2>
Lafrenière had his best game of the season in a 6-0 win for Kamloops, scoring his first goal on the power play by being in the right spot at the right time.

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBD4Vak4XKU[/embed]

What really stood out was his speed. In one clip, he flies through the neutral zone in transition. In another, he pulls away for a third-period breakaway. He also used his wheels defensively, skating away from pressure to create clean exits.

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8arW6KFdnhM[/embed]

In this next clip Lafreniere pulls away for a breakaway chance in the third period.

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LtuslRCwBLA[/embed]

Not only was the Quebec native using his speed for offence but in the next two clips Lafreniere was using it to skate away from pressure in his own zone leading to clean breakouts.

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jpgFij1dxkg[/embed]

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VcCbUTw4vRQ[/embed]

A strong all-around performance for the third-rounder. His next step will be varying his pace and attacking the middle more in transition.
<h2>David Lewandowski – Winger – Saskatoon Blades</h2>
Lewandowski had a rough outing in a 4-1 loss to Medicine Hat. The German import was quiet throughout and two of his turnovers directly led to goals against. Still, even in tough games, he flashes skill — like drawing two defenders before slipping a backhand saucer pass for an entry. He also created a couple of chances late in the first period but couldn’t finish.

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X2TvbUg0YqU[/embed]

In the final clip Lewandowski gets some chances late in the first but fails to capitalize on either of them.

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OffGz8c9_xI[/embed]

It was one of his weakest games to date, but I’m not concerned. Lewandowski has been strong overall, and this feels like a one-off. Expect him to bounce back in Saskatoon’s next set of games.

That's all for now! I'll be back in a few days with an update from this upcoming weekend.

Oilers Prospect Update: Ike Howard and Matt Savoie survive roster cuts, Tommy Lafrenière scores first goal

A closer look at Jack Roslovic’s recent hot streak with the Oilers

Edmonton Oilers Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid

Which current NHL players are destined for the Hockey Hall of Fame?

Only one Oiler projected to play for Team Canada at 2026 Olympics

Oilers top defensive prospect Beau Akey assigned to ECHL’s Fort Wayne Komets

Edmonton Oilers Stan Bowman Kris Knoblauch

Recent articles from Spencer Pomoty

Breaking News