We are just a day away from the 2026 NHL Draft in Buffalo, NY. And as of today, the Edmonton Oilers carry a total of four picks heading into the weekend. Of course, with trades happening in a frenzy leading up to the event, there’s always a chance we see that number change by Friday.

One thing we do know will likely remain true is their lack of a first-round pick. As it stands, the Oilers are set to make their first pick on Day 2, when they go up for pick number 52. In what is considered somewhat of an off-year for high-end second-round and beyond picks, the Oilers will have to decide whether they want to take any major swings with their selections. The good news? While there may be a lack of high-end talent, several players remain available who bring two-way acumen and a workhorse mentality.

In addition to the names we have already covered, here are seven players the Oilers could target with their second-round pick.

Samu Alalauri

Team: Pelicans (U20 SM-Sarja) | Age: 18 | Position: Defence | Height: 6’1 | Weight: 203 lbs | Shoots: Right | Stats: 40 GP, 6G, 19A | Central Scouting final rank: #17 European Skaters

A player of Samu Alalauri’s ilk won’t be brought in for any flashy offensive pedigree, but rather a projectable and steady presence. At 6-foot-2 and over 200 pounds, he already possesses the frame of a professional player, and unlike some bigger prospects, he has no issues playing into it. While he isn’t interested in playing a finesse game, he closes gaps aggressively, finishes checks, and makes life uncomfortable for opposing forwards. He plays the game like a pro already and could build out into a steady top-four defender when all is said and done.

That isn’t to say there isn’t any offensive flash in his game. As the season wore on, he became increasingly comfortable with the puck on his stick. No, he probably won’t be quarterbacking a power play, but he moves the puck efficiently and has shown flashes of contributing offensively when opportunities arise. That was evidenced in his 25 points in 40 games at the U20 Finnish league.

What truly intrigues is that he combines all this with a strong skating base. Built with natural mechanics, he blends a strong base of physicality, mobility, and two-way acumen. For Edmonton, the attraction is obvious. Big, right-shot defencemen with legitimate defensive upside don’t grow on trees. Committing to the University of Massachusetts, he will now learn what it takes to thrive in the North American game.

Chase Harrington

Team: Spokane Chiefs (WHL) | Age: 18 | Position: Left Wing | Height: 6’0 | Weight: 194 lbs | Shoots: Left | Stats: 61 GP, 28G, 29A | Central Scouting final rank: #26 North American Skater

Chase Harrington doesn’t wow you with highlight-reel skill every shift. Instead, he spends entire games doing all the little things that help teams win. He’s first on pucks, he wins battles, he pressures defenders into mistakes, he gets to the front of the net, and he plays with an edge that becomes increasingly noticeable the longer you watch........

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