Edmonton Oilers farm report: Is there a goal scorer in Bakersfield?

The Edmonton Oilers’ top farm team, the Bakersfield Condors, has produced some impressive young forwards over the past five seasons. Three arrived as NHL rookies, played well, and are now established in the league. Ryan McLeod (9-12-21 in 71 NHL games during 2021-22), Dylan Holloway (3-6-9 in 51 games 2022-23) and Matt Savoie (18-19-37 in 82 2025-26 games) are all bona fide NHL players. Holloway and Savoie were first-round picks, chosen in the top half of the draft, while McLeod was chosen No. 40 (second round). Each of those players had NHL expectations and has delivered on the promise.The Oilers need the Condors to graduate a forward who can score goals in the NHL. Aside from Ike Howard, who had 24 goals with Bakersfield in 47 games and should be in the NHL next season, Condors coach Colin Chaulk doesn’t have a first-rounder of note who is developing as a future NHL player.Identifying future successZach Hyman was drafted by the Florida Panthers (fifth round, 2010), played college for the Michigan Wolverines, mostly in a checking role until his senior season. He blossomed as a scorer that year, with a 17 percent shooting percentage and 22 goals in 37 games.When Hyman turned pro, he landed with the AHL Toronto Marlies after a trade in the summer of 2015. In his first pro season, one that would end with Hyman playing NHL games, he was 23. Hyman scored 15 goals in 59 AHL games, averaging 2.27 shots per game and an 11.2 shooting percentage. That should play at around 10 percent once in the NHL. Hyman’s career shooting percentage with the Maple Leafs and Oilers is 14.1 for his career, reflecting his ability to take advantage of close-in chances and cash around the crease.Hyman had some built-in advantages once in the NHL. His most common linemates in his first full NHL season were Auston Matthews and William Nylander. That’s a very nice neighbourhood. Maple Leafs coach at the time, Mike Babcock, recognized a motor that wouldn’t quit and a willingness to go to the tough areas of the ice even if it meant getting smoked by opposition defencemen.