Ostap Safin

June 2022 – Safin has battled injuries and struggled to adjust to the AHL and as a result, on May 26th, the Czech winger opted to sign with HC Sparta Praha in Czechia. The 23-year-old recorded just five points in 27 AHL games last season as well as one assist in eight ECHL games and was not likely to make the Oilers roster. Jameson Ewasiuk

October 2020 – After an injury-riddled final season in the QMJHL, Safin had to make up lost ground in the 2019-2020 season. Unfortunately for the Czech winger, he was not able to make a big impact in the ECHL as a rookie last year. His 16 goals and 35 points in 54 games is respectable but does not exactly scream future NHLer. However, judgment should be reserved until we see how his sophomore pro season goes and we find out whether he can make the jump to the AHL or not. As of right now he has not been loaned to a European team. This is concerning as Ken Holland has been active in making sure the Oilers’ prospects get playing time in this fall so one could speculate that the young winger may not be healthy right now. Safin has an intriguing skill set but he is still playing catch-up so he must stay healthy and make the most of his opportunities going forward. Jameson Ewasiuk

January 2020 – A once-promising prospect, Safin fell off everyone’s radar due to an injury-riddled 2018-2019 season in which he recorded just 11 points in 15 games. This season, his first as a pro, Safin has found some success for the Wichita Thunder of the ECHL as he recorded 11 goals and 24 points in 33 games. While his numbers this season are not eye-popping by any means, it is good to see the young winger being productive in the ECHL. Until he can find some success in the AHL, it is not realistic to expect Safin to be an NHL player anytime soon. Jameson Ewasiuk

September 2019 – On September 18th Safin was one of six prospects assigned to Bakersfield of the AHL. After an abysmal season last year in the QMJHL where Safin was mostly injured, it is not exactly a surprise to see the big Czech sent down to the minors. Safin definitely has some intriguing tools but at this point he is playing catch-up to other prospects and needs to find his game while on the Condors in order to stay a head of other prospects on the depth chart. Safin didn’t suit up in any of the Oilers preseason games, which is not unexpected, and was not a stand out in rookie camp either. Jameson Ewasiuk

March 2019 – For the first time since November 25th, Safin was in the lineup for the Halifax Mooseheads in March 9th and 10th after recovering from injury. In those two games he recorded one goal and two penalty minutes. He now has 10 points in 12 games this season. Safin has a lot of intriguing tools but his ability to put it all together has been questioned and missing time due to injury doesn’t help. Safin will turn pro next season but it is unclear whether or not he will be in the AHL or start out in the ECHL. Jameson Ewasiuk

December 2018 – The season hasn’t exactly gone as planned for Safin. He missed the Oilers’ rookie camp after injuring his hip playing for the Czech team at the Four Nation Tournament. However, at the tournament he did record five points in four games. On September 24th, before even playing a game in the QMJHL this season, Safin was traded from the Sea Dogs to the Halifax Mooseheads who are hosting the Memorial Cup. The young winger didn’t play a game in October and then recorded nine points in 8 games in the month of November. He has not played a game since November 25th and was set to travel to Edmonton at the end of November to see the Oilers’ team doctor. Safin was invited to the Czech camp for the World Juniors but it is yet to be seen if he will be able to participate. Jameson Ewasiuk

June 2018 – It‘s hard not to be intrigued by the big Czech winger‘s smooth skating, soft hands and offensive ability. In his first campaign in the QMJHL last season, Safin led the Saint John Sea Dogs with 26 goals and 58 points in 61 games. The numbers might not sound special but they are definitely solid as his team‘s next highest point-getter had just 41 points. Safin signed an entry-level contract with the Oilers in March and will likely return to Saint John this year where he should improve his numbers and continue to be one of the offensive leaders for the Sea Dogs. Like most prospects, patience and steady development are two things that will be key for the young winger. Safin has all the tools to play in the NHL but must fill out his lanky frame and become more consistent before he can make that step. Jameson Ewasiuk

July 2017- In the fourth round of the 2017 NHL entry draft the Edmonton Oilers came up with a steal. Snagging Ostap Safin 115^th overall. Safin’s skill set could’ve had him selected in the first two rounds of the draft. Safin is a big body that skates extremely well. Not only is his foot speed great, but he’s also very agile. He can make plays in tight and has a quick release. Safin played in the Czech Republic this year on HC Sparta Praha U-20 team where he was able to put up six goals and 12 assists in 24 games. Many scouts had Safin going higher in the draft, but due to consistency concerns he fell to the fourth round. In the 2017 CHL import draft, Safin went 53^rd overall to the Saint John Seadogs. He’s expected to play for them in the 2017-18 season. Oiler fans have a lot to smile about with this kid.  Spencer Pomoty