Filip Engaras

June 2022 – Now 23-years-old, Engarås had his best season with the University of New Hampshire as he recorded 21 points in 33 games, which were good for third on his team. The numbers do not exactly scream future NHLer and the pick has been questionable since draft day. The young Swede did sign a contract with the Oilers’ farm team, the Bakersfield Condors, after his NCAA season concluded and he did up in five contests for the Condors (going pointless). At this point, his upside looks to be that of a bottom-six AHLer or ECHLer. Jameson Ewasiuk

October 2020 – Engarås was drafted 169th overall by the Oilers. It would not be an Edmonton Oilers draft if they did not make at least one pick that made you stop and scratch your head. As of right now Engarås is that pick. The biggest and most concerning issue with this selection is that the Swedish center is already 21-years-old. Last year, his first season in North America, he played for the University of New Hampshire where he recorded eight goals and 15 points in 25 games which does not exactly scream future NHLer. Now with all that being said, the young Swede did not play a single game during the 2018-2019 season and this was his first playing in a new country so his production last year can maybe be taken with a grain of salt. As for his play, Engarås is a two-way center who works hard both on and off the ice. He has above average skating and has improved the release on his shot. This season we should see a jump in production as he now has a full season in North America under his belt. It would be fair to ask, “why did they not just sign him as a free agent?”, but do not write him off as it is never smart to bet against a player with a strong work ethic. Jameson Ewasiuk