The 2021 NHL Draft came and went in the blink of an eye. It is an exciting time to be a part of the Edmonton Oil Kings franchise as the organization endured a great deal of exposure this weekend on television. Many talented players had their dreams come true.
At the draft, five Oil Kings players had their names called by NHL clubs. The last time the Oil Kings had this many players selected was the 2014 NHL Draft, which saw Dysin Mayo, Brett Pollock, Brandon Baddock, Aaron Irving, and Edgars Kulda called to the podium.
Oil Kings General Manager Kirt Hill, Head Coach Brad Lauer, and the rest of the organization’s personnel have all done a terrific job in helping build a strong product in Edmonton.
Without further adieu, here are all the Oil Kings players who were selected at the 2021 NHL Draft.
Dylan Guenther was drafted in the first round, ninth overall to the Arizona Coyotes. The Coyotes wanted a goalscorer? Well, they got one. Guenther has proven throughout his WHL career that he is a very capable, gifted offensive talent. An NHL team in need of an injection of elite skill in their prospect cupboard will surely drool over Guenther.
Sebastian Cossa heard his name called in the first round, 15th overall by the Detroit Red Wings. A top-ranking goaltender in this year’s draft, there were a lot of teams trying to get their hands on the towering six-foot-six netminder. In fact, the Red Wings wanted him so much that they traded up to get him. Cossa is a franchise goaltender in the making.
Carson Latimer went in the fourth round, 123rd overall to the Ottawa Senators. Latimer was a huge surprise last season. He burst onto the WHL scene as an 18-year-old forward and carved out his role with the Oil Kings. He has skill and incredible skating ability. His 16 points in 22 games last season really solidified his fate with the 2021 NHL Draft. This player is only scratching the surface of his potential.
Jalen Luypen became the property of the Chicago Blackhawks as the team from the Windy City selected him in the seventh round, 216th overall. The Blackhawks may have found a gem in the later rounds. Luypen plays with a lot of heart and compete and is an aggressive two-way player. He also possesses underrated skills and a strong hockey IQ. His offensive game exploded this past WHL season with 29 points in 23 games. This is a player that can do it all.
Jakub Demek, a new addition to the Oil Kings organization, was selected 128th overall by the Vegas Golden Knights in the fourth round. He will be an intriguing player to follow in the upcoming 2021-22 WHL season.
Guenther is now the second-highest NHL drafted Oil King (9th) since Griffin Reinhart, who went fourth overall to the New York Islanders in 2012. There is plenty of talent in the Oil Kings organization. Let’s see who raises their stock in the 2021-22 WHL season.
Congratulations to all NHL draftees who realized their dreams last weekend!
