Edmonton Oilers Make Roster Move With Former Top Pick’s Son

The Edmonton Oilers have sent promising prospect James Stefan down to the ECHL’s Fort Wayne Komets after a rough start to his pro career.

It’s been a tough fall for Stefan, who just last year lit up the WHL with an incredible 50 goals and 101 points in 67 games for the Portland Winterhawks.

The 20-year-old forward, who signed a three-year deal with the Oilers last March, has struggled mightily in the AHL this season. He’s managed just two points in 33 games with the Bakersfield Condors.

Things started optimistically enough. The Condors gave Stefan a shot on their second line to begin the year, hoping he’d bring the scoring touch he showed in junior hockey.

But it didn’t work out. He found himself dropping down the lineup and eventually watching games from the press box as a healthy scratch.

Stefan’s hockey bloodlines had given the Oilers hope – he’s the son of former NHL first overall pick Patrik Stefan. But that pedigree hasn’t translated to pro success yet.

“His play has been far from encouraging,” says Oilers prospect expert Bruce Curlock, who first reported the demotion.

The move to the ECHL – considered the third tier of North American pro hockey – is definitely concerning for a player the Oilers invested in with a multi-year contract. But it’s not necessarily the end of the road.

Several NHL players have used the ECHL as a stepping stone, working their way back up through the ranks after early career struggles.

For now, the Oilers are hoping some time in Fort Wayne will help Stefan rediscover his scoring touch and rebuild his confidence. At just 20 years old, there’s still plenty of time for him to turn things around.