The Athletic’s mock 2023 NHL draft has the Oilers selecting a goalie with their first pick

For the first time since 2006, the Edmonton Oilers will not have a first-round selection in this summer’s draft. In a trade orchestrated by general manager Kevin Lowe that year, the team relinquished their top pick to the Minnesota Wild in exchange for talented goaltender Dwayne Roloson, who played a crucial role in the Oilers’ journey to the Stanley Cup Final. Similarly, the Oilers’ first-round pick for this year’s draft was traded in February to the Nashville Predators as part of a deal that brought experienced defenseman Mattias Ekholm to Edmonton.

With their first selection slated for No. 56 overall in the second round, the Oilers’ choices become more unpredictable. As the draft progresses, the outcome becomes increasingly uncertain, making it anyone’s guess as to whom they might select. However, in The Athletic’s initial mock draft of the year, it was suggested that the Oilers may opt for goaltender Adam Gajan as their top pick, although the draft itself is often regarded as a gamble at that stage.

Gajan, a 6-foot-3 goaltender hailing from Slovakia, made the decision to venture across the Atlantic to play in North America during the previous season. He showcased his skills in both the USHL and NAHL, registering a .906 save percentage across six games with the Green Bay Gamblers and an impressive .917 save percentage in 34 games with the Chippewa Steel. Gajan’s standout performance also extended to the World Juniors in Nova Scotia, where he boasted a remarkable .936 save percentage over four games while representing Slovakia.

The Athletic’s mock 2023 NHL draft has the Oilers selecting a goalie with their first pick

In the past three drafts, the Oilers have chosen only one goaltender, Samuel Jonsson, at No. 158 overall in 2022. Their other selections in the goaltending department include Stuart Skinner at No. 78 overall in 2017, Olivier Rodrigue at No. 62 overall in 2018 (acquired through a trade-up), and Ilya Konovalov at No. 85 overall in 2019. Konovalov eventually had his contract terminated to allow his return to the KHL, and the Oilers secured NCAA free-agent goaltender Ryan Fanti last spring.

Now, the question arises for Oilers fans: Should the team opt to select a goaltender with their top pick in this year’s draft? Your thoughts, Nation?

This summer’s upcoming draft marks a significant departure for the Edmonton Oilers, as they will be without a first-round selection for the first time since 2006. During that pivotal year, general manager Kevin Lowe made a trade that sent their top pick to the Minnesota Wild in exchange for the skilled goaltender Dwayne Roloson, whose contributions helped propel the Oilers to the Stanley Cup Final. Similarly, in February of this year, the Oilers’ first-round pick was traded to the Nashville Predators as part of a package deal that brought experienced defenseman Mattias Ekholm to Edmonton.

With their initial selection slated for No. 56 overall in the second round, the Oilers’ choices become more uncertain. As the draft progresses, the outcome becomes increasingly unpredictable, and it becomes anyone’s guess as to whom they might ultimately select. However, according to The Athletic’s preliminary mock draft, there is speculation that the Oilers might consider goaltender Adam Gajan as their top pick, recognizing that the draft itself can be regarded as a gamble, particularly at this stage.

Gajan, a towering 6-foot-3 goaltender from Slovakia, embarked on a journey across the Atlantic to play in North America during the previous season. Displaying his talents in both the USHL and NAHL, he demonstrated a .906 save percentage in six games with the Green Bay Gamblers, along with an impressive .917 save percentage in 34 games with the Chippewa Steel. Gajan’s remarkable performance extended to the World Juniors in Nova Scotia, where he maintained an outstanding .936 save percentage over four games while representing Slovakia.

In the past three drafts, the Oilers have chosen only one goaltender, Samuel Jonsson, who was selected at No. 158 overall in 2022. Their other goaltending selections include Stuart Skinner at No. 78 overall in 2017, Olivier Rodrigue at No. 62 overall in 2018 (acquired through a trade-up), and Ilya Konovalov at No. 85 overall in 2019. Konovalov eventually had his contract terminated to allow his return to the KHL, and the Oilers secured NCAA free-agent goaltender Ryan Fanti last spring.

Now, the question arises for Oilers fans: Should the team prioritize selecting a goaltender with their top pick in this year’s draft? We welcome your

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thoughts, Nation.

Mai Linh Pham

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