Oilers 2025 draft picks Tommy Lafreniere, David Lewandowski, Asher Barnett, Daniel Salonen & Aidan Park received their jersey & hat from GM Stan Bowman during Development Camp earlier this week

The future of the Edmonton Oilers took center stage this week as 2025 draft picks Tommy Lafreniere, David Lewandowski, Asher Barnett, Daniel Salonen, and Aidan Park officially received their Oilers jerseys and draft hats from General Manager Stan Bowman during the team’s Development Camp, marking the beginning of what fans hope will be a transformative new chapter for the franchise.

Held at Rogers Place and the Downtown Community Arena, the camp was filled with energy, emotion, and expectation as the five newly drafted prospects pulled on the blue and orange for the very first time.

In what has become a sacred tradition across NHL locker rooms, the jersey and hat presentation was done privately in the Oilers’ dressing room, with GM Stan Bowman delivering a short, emotional message to the players before handing over the gear. Sources in the room say Bowman emphasized character, work ethic, and the opportunity to build something special in Edmonton.

“This is a symbol of your journey, but it’s just the beginning,” Bowman told the group. “We didn’t draft you to be good someday—we believe you can be great. And it starts now.”

Each player received a personalized jersey with their nameplate and number, alongside the official 2025 draft cap emblazoned with the Oilers logo.

Tommy Lafreniere (1st Round) — C, Rimouski Oceanic (QMJHL)

The highly skilled center out of Quebec was Edmonton’s top pick and brings elite vision, playmaking, and leadership. With comparisons already being drawn to fellow Rimouski alum Sidney Crosby (in style, not hype), Lafreniere is expected to challenge for a roster spot sooner than later.

“It’s surreal,” Lafreniere said. “I’ve dreamed of this since I was 5 years old.”

One of the purest shooters in the class, Lewandowski lit up international play with Team USA and was a standout during the first scrimmage of Development Camp. His quick release and hockey IQ make him a top-6 forward in the making.

“To wear this jersey is an honor. I want to make the fans proud,” Lewandowski said.

A rugged, right-shot blueliner with a booming slapshot and high motor, Barnett has already turned heads at camp with his physical play and poise under pressure. Scouts say he could develop into a shutdown presence on the Oilers’ blue line.

Salonen, a 6’4” Finnish netminder with cat-like reflexes, was viewed as a potential sleeper pick with high upside. His calm demeanor and impressive lateral movement were on full display in goalie sessions this week.

“I’m here to compete, but also to learn from the best,” Salonen said.

Smart, shifty, and relentless, Park was a standout in the NCAA recruiting cycle and brings a mix of finesse and grit. He scored twice in the Development Camp’s opening scrimmage, drawing praise from coaches.

The 2025 draft class is the first full group selected under new GM Stan Bowman, and early signs point to a clear identity forming: skill, speed, and character. All five picks reflect a shift toward youth with a long-term plan, a philosophy Oilers fans have craved amid years of top-heavy roster construction.

“We’re building from the foundation up,” Bowman said after the jersey ceremony. “This group reflects where we’re going—not just next season, but the next decade.”

• Fitness Testing: All five draft picks ranked among the top 15 in VO2 max and agility tests.
• Scrimmage Stars: Lafreniere and Park led scoring; Barnett led in hits and blocked shots.
• Mentorship: Veteran players like Darnell Nurse and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins made surprise visits to speak with the group.
• Culture Sessions: Players participated in team-building exercises and media training to prepare for the NHL spotlight.

Though still years away from NHL ice for most of these prospects, Oilers fans are already buzzing about the talent on display. Videos from Development Camp have been trending online, with fans especially excited about Lafreniere’s puck control and Lewandowski’s top-corner snipe in a 2-on-1 drill.

“You can tell this draft class has something special,” one fan wrote on X. “This feels like the beginning of something big.”

Following Development Camp, players will return to their respective junior, college, or European clubs for the upcoming season. Several are expected to receive invites to main training camp in September, where they’ll have a chance to skate alongside Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.

The team’s long-term development staff will closely monitor each player’s progress, with strength and skills coaches offering remote training programs throughout the season.

It’s still early, but the Oilers’ 2025 draft class is already turning heads. With high-end talent, personality, and professionalism, this group could very well form the core of Edmonton’s next great run.

For now, they leave Development Camp with a jersey, a hat, and a city full of hope on their shoulders.