🎉 A Memorable “Welcome to the Family” Moment
Earlier this week, at the Edmonton Oilers’ annual Development Camp training sessions, recent picks from the 2025 NHL Entry Draft stepped onto the ice not just as prospects, but as official members of the organization. GM Stan Bowman led a ceremonial presentation, bestowing each of the following players with their official Oilers jersey and caps:
Tommy Lafrenière (Round 3, 83rd overall)
David Lewandowski (Round 4, 117th overall)
Asher Barnett (Round 5, 131st overall)
Daniel Salonen (Round 6, 191st overall)
Aidan Park (Round 7, 223rd overall)
This ritual—fast becoming a hallmark of the Oilers’ summer program—marked more than a symbolic gesture; it shared a message: “Welcome officially to the organization. Now it’s time to work.”
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The Ceremony in Detail
A Hallmark Tradition
In Edmonton’s camp culture, the moment a GM hands over a jersey and cap is sacred. Built to transition draftees from hopefuls into bona fide prospects, it signals expectation, responsibility—and investment. By having Bowman personally present these items, the organization emphasized its belief in this year’s class.
Visual Highlights
Photos across Instagram, Facebook, and X (Twitter) depicted bright-eyed Lafrenière, Lewandowski, Barnett, Salonen, and Park donning official oilers-blue caps and jerseys that will soon display their names and numbers. The camp buzzed with excitement and encouragement as teammates and staff cheered.
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Introducing the 2025 Class — Player Profiles
Tommy Lafrenière: The Spirited Sharpshooter
🔹 Position: Right Wing
🔹 Drafted: 3rd Round, 83rd overall
🔹 Team: Kamloops Blazers (WHL)
Known for his scoring instincts and versatility, Lafrenière impressed scouts by dominating offensive zones in junior play. At camp, he displayed slick puck control, a powerful shot from the slot, and promising chemistry with teammates during drills. At 18, he’s already drawing praise for his on-ice vision and compete level.
David Lewandowski: The Playmaking Left Wing
🔹 Position: Left Wing
🔹 Drafted: 4th Round, 117th overall
🔹 Team: Saskatoon Blades (WHL)
A cerebral forward with elite puck distribution, Lewandowski is respected for his hockey IQ. Words from the coaching staff highlight “his knack for making plays under pressure.” Early scrimmages showed him threading precision passes and sliding into lanes—a sign he’s comfortable in tight spaces.
Asher Barnett: The Mobile, Modern Defenseman
🔹 Position: Defense
🔹 Drafted: 5th Round, 131st overall
🔹 Team: U.S. NTDP (USHL)
Barnett fits the modern mold—athletic, mobile, and offensively inclined. At camp, his breakout speed and quick transition instincts stood out, as did his crisp breakout passes. Coaches noted his ability to take charge on the blue line, responding well to feedback during positioning drills.
Daniel Salonen: The Calm Between the Pipes
🔹 Position: Goalie
🔹 Drafted: 6th Round, 191st overall
🔹 Team: Lukko U20 (SM‑sarja)
From Finland’s junior system, Salonen personifies European goaltending fundamentals—poise, technique, and situational awareness. During scrimmages, he