While he did get a 28-game trial run with the Oilers last season, he didn’t impress, with just a lone goal and eight points. After struggling to put up big numbers at the NHL level, the Oilers sent him to the AHL’s Bakersfield Condors. There, he had much better production and was able to better adjust to the North American game.
In 39 games with the Condors, the 19-year-old winger posted 12 goals and 28 points. He emerged as one of the team’s top forward and appeared ready to fight for a full-time gig coming into camp this year, especially with Jordan Eberle gone and the Oilers in need of right-wing depth.