Next up in the potential draft picks series are the targets for the Edmonton Oilers third-round selection at this year’s draft. With only 12% of players selected in the third round going on to play full NHL careers, the odds of an NHL-worthy pick are slimmer than a second-rounder (35%) and a first (72%).
Let’s take a look at some prospects who will likely be available when the Oilers pick in the third round.
Becket Hamilton, Forward, Red Deer Rebels, WHL
Becket Hamilton is an honest, hard-working forward who has seen his stock rise as the year went on. The two-way pivot was the offensive heart the Red Deer Rebels needed this past season; Hamilton led his team with 62 points across 67 games, while the second leading scorer had 38 points in that same span.
Where Hamilton’s value really shines is as a do-it-all shutdown forward. He has an insanely high motor, capable puck skills. He also has enough hockey sense and speed that he projects as a top-nine or bottom-six NHL forward in the near future.
Defensively, Hamilton showed good defensive awareness, scanning upside, and play reading with minor deception and changes of pace. When his hockey sense was mixed with his consistent speed, lane creation, and acceleration, he was a fairly complete takeaway and defensively stifling threat.
Offensively, Hamilton definitely shines more as a play supporter and cycle extender who injects consistent energy, motor, and pressure/play control elements. At times, the Humboldt product lacks more dynamic offensive creativity, manipulation, and playmaking, often opting for lateral outside attacks.
Hamilton did show some flashes of more dynamic offensive creation throughout the season, but they need to be more consistent.
The 2008-born forward shows no hesitations in terms of physicality engagement. However, his effectiveness lacks, so expect some of his physical elements to mature. This limited refinement of his physical game and overly simplistic offensive creation are the main drawbacks of his game.
Noel Pakarinen, Forward, Kiekko-Espoo, Liiga
Noel Pakarinen is an interesting case as the 18-year-old Finn is forgoing the Liiga route to pursue an NCAA career with Michigan Tech next season. Moreover, the Finn plays a similar type of power-sniper game to Isaac Howard. He can be equal parts offensive opportunist/finisher, but also engages in the grittier elements of the play.
Pakarinen’s game itself is best defined by his higher-end shooting, physicality, and puck skills. Pakarinen thrives in almost every situation off-puck, from high-energy hits in the defensive zone to smooth puck protection and creative passes with the puck. His shooting particularly stands out with a quick, snappy realease, good shot placement, and shot recognition. This could see the Finn become a secondary scorer at the professional level.
Away from the puck Pakarinen plays a relentless game with quality physicality, which displays good hit delivery, leverage to win board battles, and constant physical pressure. Pakarinen is certainly a menace in the grittier areas of the ice. He shows good promise to be a bottom-six checking forward for whatever team selects him.
Pakarinen has a unique combination of soft and hard skill, which makes him that much more of an interesting prospect.
The main barriers the 18-year-old faces are shortcomings in hockey sense (play anticipation, creation, and playmaking instincts), and skating (mechanics, edgework, and power). This will make his eventual adjustment to either the AHL or NHL more difficult if those areas cannot improve in his four-year NCAA career.
Landon Nycz, Defence, UMass, NCAA
London Nycz is more of a long-term project than some of the other players on this list. He needs to refine key elements of his offensive game. Part of this is due to the very limited minutes that the 18-year-old got in a third pairing role with UMass this past season. Where Nycz shines most is as a two-way transitional defender, with higher-end mobility, compete level, and physicality.
Defensively, the Detroit product manages space well, boxes out opponents, and uses both his 6’3” frame and muscle mass well to outwork attacking forwards. Nycz’s mobility also demonstrates good agility, footwork, and growing speed, which rarely means he is chasing plays themselves when in position.
The American defender also enjoys a high rate of play engagement, a high activation rate, and intensity with every single shift. He has the tools, work ethic, and confidence to be a puck carrier as he ages up and refines his distribution skills at the NCAA level.
The main questions with Nycz is his below-average hockey sense, with poor decision making (blind passes, risky positioning), a lower hockey IQ/awareness, and play-reading limitations. These hockey sense questions are also compounded by mixed passing accuracy, and pass selection, which can make him a bit turnover-prone.
All of that being said his mobility, frame, and work ethic make him an intriguing prospect with third-pairing NHL potential if the American can elevate his puck skills and hockey sense to the next level as a two-way defensive anchor for UMass next season.
Where the Oilers stand in this draft
The Oilers have the opportunity to get a good complementary piece in the third round of this year’s draft. The Oilers scouting staff has had recent success with mid-late round picks showing early promise with Tommy Lafreniere and David Lewandowski both lighting it up in their D+1 year. Whether it’s one of these three players, there is nothing wrong with drafting for depth.
Who do you want the Oilers to select in the third round of the 2026 draft? Let us know in the comments below.
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