Oilers trade up to draft Sam O'Reilly with last pick of 1st round

The Edmonton Oilers moved up to select forward Sam O'Reilly from the OHL's London Knights 32nd overall to close out Friday's opening round of the 2024 NHL Draft.

The Philadelphia Flyers got a conditional 2025 first-rounder from Edmonton in return. If the selection is in the top 12, the pick will slide to 2026.

O'Reilly ranked third in both goals (20) and points (56) by a rookie this past season while appearing in 68 contests.

The 18-year-old went on to add five tallies and seven helpers in 16 playoff games.

O'Reilly is listed at 6-foot-1 and 184 pounds.

NHL Central Scouting placed O'Reilly 24th among all North American skaters, jumping up from the 40th spot in the midterm rankings.

"He's a two-way center. He competes hard and has physicality," The Athletic's Corey Pronman wrote in May. "I've seen quicker skaters, but he can escape pressure and has good enough quickness for the NHL level. O'Reilly has quality skill and vision and can create chances. He has a decent shot but I like him more when he's making plays. He has the potential to be a bottom-six center in the league."

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