Edmonton’s rookie group closed camp with a 6-1 victory over Calgary’s prospects. The Oilers’ top trio — Quinn Hutson, Josh Samanski, and Isaac Howard — combined skill, structure, and relentless pressure to stand out ahead of a shortened pre-season.
Quinn Hutson scored the opener and showed the finishing and decision-making that produced 30 AHL goals last season.
Josh Samanski supplied reliable positional play and breakout support, offering a potential bottom-six role.
Isaac Howard created sustained offensive pressure, including a tap-in on a back-post play, and repeatedly won puck battles.
# What happened Edmonton's prospects finished rookie camp with a 6-1 win over the Calgary Flames' rookies in the NextGen Showcase. The game served as the final tune-up before a shortened pre-season and highlighted several names pushing for NHL opportunities this season.
# Why the top line mattered The Oilers' top forward trio — Quinn Hutson, Josh Samanski, and Isaac Howard — were the most noticeable performers. Their roles complemented one another: Hutson finished chances, Samanski connected and protected space, and Howard sustained pressure and created opportunities in the offensive zone.
Hutson opened the scoring with a short-side snipe over Flames goalie Arseni Sergeev. That goal echoed the strengths that produced 30 AHL goals for him last season: a strong shot and high hockey IQ. Hutson also contributed on the power play. He is listed at 5-foot-11 and 176 pounds, which gives him less physical margin than larger prospects, so his details and decision-making will matter at the next level.
Samanski's impact was less flashy but clearer on tape. He played disciplined F3 on the forecheck, stayed above the puck in the offensive zone to prevent odd-man chances against, and provided short breakout outlets for his defencemen. Those habits make him look ready for a bottom-six, defensively responsible NHL role if he can add consistent offensive contributions.
# Supporting performances All three goalies on the Oilers' side looked solid in the game. Tomas Cibulka was described as composed on the blue line during camp sessions, and recent sixth-round pick Caden Harvey flashed danger throughout the night. Zach Bookman, the defence outlet who moved the puck to set up a Samanski-to-Howard sequence, also factored into scoring opportunities.
# What this means next
With a shortened pre-season starting soon, those three will be central to a spirited internal competition for roster spots. Coaches will be watching details: Huson's ability to translate AHL scoring at full NHL speed, Samanski's consistency in structure and defensive reads, and Howard's capacity to combine physical engagement with finishing.
# Bottom line Edmonton's prospects closed rookie camp on a strong note. The 6-1 win over Calgary's rookies showcased a top line that can offer different but complementary tools: scoring, structured play, and relentless pressure. That trio is in position to push for NHL chances once pre-season games begin.
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