The Edmonton Oilers didn’t have the luxury of making a splash in the first round after moving their first-round pick. Heck, they even passed on their first opportunity, trading down before making their first selection.

Instead of chasing high-risk, high-reward prospects, the Oilers leaned heavily into players who fit the identity the organization has built in recent years: competitive, detail-oriented hockey players who can eventually fill complementary roles around an established NHL core.

It won’t be the class that grabs headlines across the league, but there is at least some value to be found here. Edmonton addressed the middle of the ice with two centres who could project as reliable NHL contributors, added another steady defensive prospect, and took sensible swings late in the draft. For a team picking just five times—and without a first-round selection—it’s difficult to ask for much more.

58th Overall — Rudolfs Berzkalns (C)

Grade: B

Edmonton entered the second round after trading back six spots and still landed the player many believed they had their eye on all along.

Rudolfs Berzkalns plays the kind of game NHL coaches love. He’s relentless on the forecheck, thrives in puck battles, kills penalties, blocks shots and rarely takes a shift off. While he may never become a high-end offensive producer, his game is........

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