Dylan Holloway has turned heads enough times that the highly touted prospect might be slotted into the Oilers’ opening night lineup come Oct. 12.
In five pre-season games, 21-year-old Holloway has six points and four goals, including a hat trick in a 7-2 win over the Vancouver Canucks on Oct. 3. The first-round pick in the 2020 NHL draft is making the most of his opportunities throughout the Oilers’ top three lines – and impressing veteran teammates such as Leon Draisaitl and Tyson Barrie.
“It feels really good. We’ve got some of the best players in the world in this dressing room, so it’s just cool to be around them every day and see how they approach the game,” Holloway said. “Ultimately, the older guys have been great to me, have been very welcoming, and it’s just a really good environment overall.”
With a chance to grab a top-nine spot, Holloway’s effort hasn’t been lost on coach Jay Woodcroft.
“I’m quite happy with the way Dylan Holloway has played in camp. There’s been a lot of learning experiences,” Woodcroft said.
Even on the nights when Holloway didn’t score, he’s found a way to make an impact in other ways, and Woodcroft said he’s impressed with his ability to contribute in multiple ways.
“Going on the road into some tough buildings against some tough lineups, I thought he acquitted himself very well,” Woodcroft said on Thursday. “He was good in the game last night (5-4 loss to Vancouver on Oct. 5) – there wasn’t a lot of rhythm in the game based on the penalties that were called, but he played on the penalty kill. He finished some checks. He showed up in some offensive opportunities. It was a good game for Dylan.”
Holloway said being able to spend some time with the AHL’s Bakersfield Condors – where he recorded 22 points in 36 games last season – was something he felt helped get him used to the pro style of hockey as opposed to jumping right into the NHL straight from the University of Wisconsin.
“Obviously, it’s a little bit different from college,” Holloway said. “Making the step from college straight to the NHL would have been more difficult, but I’m happy I got the pro experience under my belt.
“I had a great time in Bakersfield, a lot of great guys in Bakersfield, a good coaching staff. I think they really helped me in trying to make this next step.”
There also are elements of Holloway’s game that he wants to improve upon at the highest level, but what stands out the most for him to improve?
“I think probably just getting used to making plays like a higher pace,” Holloway said. “Every level you go, that pace is a little bit quicker and less time with the puck. So, being able to scan the ice and know what you’re going to do before you get the puck is a big thing.”
Dylan Holloway is far from a finished product as a pro hockey player, but his development and play in an Oilers jersey have been trending in the right direction.
