Prior to the calendar turning to April for the final stretch of the season, the Edmonton Oilers announced a signing. Damien Carfagna, a 22-year-old defenceman rounding out his third season in the NCAA, has joined the Oilers on a two-year entry-level contract beginning in 2025–26.
Who is Damien Carfagna
Carfagna is a left-shot defenceman who has developed in the USHL and NCAA. In the past two years, he’s played with Ohio State University, where he’s totalled nine goals and 25 assists across 72 games for the club. Most of his production has come during the 2024–25 season, where he’s exhibited some playmaking ability, highlighted by his 21 assists this year.
Ohio State clocks him in at 6’0″ and 185 lbs, he’s a nimble player with a high hockey IQ, most often displaying it with aggressive defending against opposing attackers. He has also developed a penchant for the offensive zone. He was recently named to the Big Ten All-Tournament team for his performance.
Carfagna’s fit with the Oilers
The first impression of Carfagna is that he’ll fit the mould of a puck-moving defenceman who can contribute on both ends of the ice. If his latest season in the NCAA is any indicator, his development in all three zones should pay off for the Oilers in shoring out their defensive depth. If he can put it all together, he has the potential to be a decent option who can be deployed in all situations.
Look for him to make a splash next season, starting with training camp! Ultimately, Carfagna will likely be spending most of his time in the AHL with the Bakersfield Condors, but if he impresses enough in the preseason, never say never to a possible NHL stint.
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