Oilers Draft for Sense Skill and Compete

Edmonton Oilers News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Jun 28, 2026 · 1m

The Oilers pulled off a savvy draft strategy in 2026, trading down to snag Latvian center Rudolfs Berzkalns—a raw but highly competitive talent—with an extra fifth-round pick. With limited picks due to their competitive window, they focused on “sense, skill, and compete,” targeting players with high upside who need refinement. Berzkalns’ size and toughness stood out, while others like Gästrin and Robinson offer strong potential. This is a long-game approach: building depth by identifying foundational traits and trusting their development system to turn prospects into NHL stars. Support the…