The Edmonton Oilers picked up several free agents last year, and now one of them is set to join the NHL.
Stan Bowman has had good luck bringing in signings that don’t cost much into the Oilers development program, and it seems like this strategy is already showing results. Quinn Hutson has played games in the NHL, Atro Leppanen just signed a new contract, and now Damien Carfagna is getting ready to step up.
Oilers’ new College Free Agent signing Damien Carfagna is seen as ready for an NHL call-up.
The Oilers signed the 23-year-old left defenseman on March 31, 2025. After playing half a season in the AHL, experts believe he is ready for the NHL.
Oilers analyst Allan Mitchell pointed out that Carfagna is ready for the NHL because of his strong scoring ability during even-strength play, his improving performance since Christmas, and his great skating skills. Carfagna has some of the best rookie goal-differential stats in the recent history of the Condors. In the 2021-22 season, Philip Broberg had a record of 30-15 (67 percent) for on-ice goals in five-on-five situations, while Michael Kesselring had a record of 40-30 (57 percent). Both of them moved up to the NHL and became solid defensemen.
Carfagna is currently playing a key role in his games and has worked well with experienced players like Josh Brown and fellow rookie Akey. His skating is impressive at the AHL level, and his speed won’t stop him from making it to the NHL.
– Allan Mitchell
Carfagna is showing that he’s ready to play in the NHL. At 23 years old, he is also ahead in his growth compared to other players in the Condors’ system. Being a left-handed shooter might slow him down because the Oilers have a lot of lefties, but he clearly has talent.
At the very least, Carfagna will be a player competing for a spot on the NHL team at next year’s training camp. He’ll be one of the few affordable young players who could really help improve Edmonton’s roster next season.
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