With a stacked blue line and limited schedules, Edmonton could turn one of the best young, somewhat undiscovered, defenders into an important negotiating vessel when the Trade Deadline approaches. That prospect is Beau Akey, and he wants to make a name for himself this season.
The oilers have a luxury that most teams cannot claim-a veteran-heavy blue line with cup, cup. But that depth may also block the path for Akey, who is one of their most intriguing young defense perspectives.
Akey comes from a strong bounce back season in Junior after double shoulder operation. A full season of good health can do wonders for his reputation as someone who has a bright future.
Last year with the OHL’s Barrie Colts he placed 32 points in 52 games, added five assists in the Play -Offs and wore a leading role. Known for his elite skates and passing fresh, he is now ready to make the leap to Pro Hockey in Bakersfield (AHL). “I am 100 percent now,” Abide During the camp. “I am looking for the step for professional hockey (this season), so I am looking for the oilers in the training camp. I want to give everything to try to make the oilers and try to prove that I can make a NHL schedule.”
Oilers Development -employees already love his mobility and attacking instincts, but they want him to sharpen the defensive side of his game. In the meantime, he is active a premium that waits in the wings-a 20-year-old right-shot defender with top-four potential.
The oilers know that he can be a future impact player for them. That means that he can also be an impact player for someone else.
Edmonton will not be looking to move the young person. That said, it should not come as a surprise if he pops up at radars around the competition. Oilers Senior Director of Player Development Kalle Larsson said: “A healthy Beau Akey is an elite skater, he can break the puck well and he has insulted.” He added: “I think he will be a two -way defender in Pro who must be more reliable.”
Akey will be a trading piece that other teams look at
For a team that chases a Stanley Cup, players like this gold are. They can grow into future cornerstones or become the center of a trade for immediate help. If Edmonton needs a deadline boost or now it is a depth scorer, a fine-kill specialist or injury insurance policy is a package leading a package that is serious interest in rebuilding teams or clubs in a timeline where they are contenders in two or three seasons.
The oilers will later decide whether they should keep him for the long term or turn him around for a win now piece. Anyway, they hold a hidden card that could make a difference in spring.
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