The Oilers roster is slowly but surely beginning to take shape.
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The team announced its first four cuts of training camp today, sending forwards Connor Clattenburg, William Nichol, and Dalyn Wakely, along with goaltender Nathaniel Day, back to their OHL squads.
Clattenburg was the team’s 5th round draft pick this summer, coming off a 29-point season split between the Soo Greyhounds and the Flint Firebirds in 2023-24. Clattenburg made his mark on training camp early, dropping the gloves with Calgary’s Parer Bell at the Young Stars Classic in Penticton.
He also made an impact in his only pre-season game, getting physical with Flames defenceman Henry Mews and showing good puck skills for an 18-year-old in his first camp. If he can combine that burgeoning offence with his usual aggressive and physical game, he could have a breakout season in Flint.
He’ll be joined by Firebirds teammate Day, who played the third period on the road in last night’s loss to Calgary, allowing one goal on five shots. Day was a standout in Penticton, making 28 saves on 30 shots in the opener against Vancouver. The Oilers’ 6th round pick in 2023, Day will look to improve on his past performances in Flint after posting save percentages of .874 and .868 in his two full years in the OHL.
Nichol was the team’s 7th round selection this past summer, coming off 20 points in 65 games in his rookie season with the London Knights. The 6’0″ centre held his own in his one pre-season game against the Winnipeg Jets on Sunday.
Wakely was another late draft pick this summer, selected by the Oilers in the 6th round as an overager. The 20-year-old centre broke out for 104 points in 66 games with the North Bay Battalion last season, adding another 23 points in the playoffs. He was -2 with two shots on Monday against Calgary. He’s touted as a physical two-way centre, and should be one of the best players in North Bay this season.
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