After making us wait in suspense for the time clock to run out on the 52nd pick, the Edmonton Oilers traded down to 58th and added pick #133 in this year’s draft. With the 58th overall pick, the Oilers selected Rudolfs Berzkalns.
Berzkalns, spending last season with the Muskegon Lumberjacks of the USHL, had 25 points in 48 games in the 2025–26 season. He was also a member of Latvia’s World Junior Classic team, where he had one goal in five games.
What type of player did the Oilers get with Rudolfs Berzkalns?
It has been mentioned before, but the Oilers are targeting players with a strong work ethic and who play an NHL-ready game. Physicality, engagement, two-way play, and a combination of size, speed, and skill to increase the chances of transitioning to the NHL. That is what the Oilers have selected with the pick of Berzkalns.
He was a riser through the season, developing far more stability in his game. This has helped him turn into one of the Lumberjacks best players in a run to the Clark Cup final. Although his offensive game is a tad underwhelming, his style of play is already looking close to NHL-ready.
Berzkalns does have a lot of work to do on his overall game, but his floor has risen significantly this season and should continue to do so in the coming years.
What is next for Rudolfs Berzkalns?
After spending the past two seasons with Muskegon, Berzkalns has committed to Boston College, beginning in 2027–28 according to Elite Prospects. Joining one of the best collegiate programs in the hockey world will no doubt do wonders for his development.
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