The Edmonton Oilers have been aggressive in procurement over the last several years, despite having traded a plethora of draft assets. The organization has made up for the lack of picks by signing undrafted free agents across the hockey world. Combined with the few picks used by Edmonton, there’s a solid mix of prospects who could emerge as complementary NHL players in the years to come.Just a few weeks from the 2026 NHL Draft, it’s a good time to look at the graduates, the exits, and most importantly, the group that will be pushing for NHL time next season. Graduating players have reached 50 NHL games. Some prospects are not listed here due to doubtful pro potential. All appear on PuckPedia’s designated Oilers roster page.GraduationsMatt Savoie, Colton Dach, Alec RegulaThe Oilers badly need young forwards just like Savoie. His graduation gives the organization a key piece for the future. He moved from the fourth line to the Connor McDavid line during the year, and allows the new coach to move Ryan Nugent-Hopkins to the second or third line this fall. Dach was thought to be a small part of a bigger deal at the deadline, but the former Chicago Blackhawks winger formed an impressive fourth line with Trent Frederic in the final days of the season. He could be a useful piece for Edmonton’s new coach. Regula is a big defenceman who can move the puck, but he struggled badly in the NHL with the Oilers last season. He did recover and play well with the Bakersfield Condors, so he could be part of the defensive mix in Edmonton during 2026-27.NHL first blushIke Howard, Josh Samanski, Connor Clattenburg, Quinn HutsonThis is a key area for Oilers general manager Stan Bowman. Every summer spent without a first-round pick needs to end with an impressive list of players who saw some NHL games. Bowman nailed the list in 2025-26; there’s quality here.Howard didn’t spend the entire year in the NHL, but he showed well in Edmonton and in Bakersfield. Barring a trade or the hiring of an extreme defensive coach by the Oilers, Howard should land a job with the team this fall. He can deliver the most difficult skill in the sport (scoring goals) and has improved his play away from the puck.Samanski was a valuable two-way addition to a team with most of its forwards focused on the offensive game. Samanski was a plug-and-play on any line, while also playing centre and wing. He lacks natural offensive ability, but if the new head coach can teach him where the goals are scored, Bowman will have a home run signing.