Yesterday, the Edmonton Oilers announced that they have signed Brady Stonehouse to a three-year entry-level contract. Brady was an invitee to the Oilers’ rookie camp tournament in Penticton in September. Although Brady did not score, he tore around the rink, creating havoc in a good way everywhere he went. He played well enough to receive an invite to the Oilers’ main camp as an undrafted prospect.
Brady checks in at 5’10, 194 lbs. Although not tall, Brady can pack a punch with a tenacious forecheck, laying the body on opposing defensemen. At the main camp, Stonehouse got into one game with the Oilers. He played for 10:22 and finished the game with 2 hits. Though he didn’t hit the scoresheet, the Oilers and Oilers fans seemed to like what they were seeing in Brady’s game. In his limited minutes, he was very noticeable.
Brady was returned back to junior where he plays for the Ottawa 67’s after his one game in the Oilers preseason. So far this season, he has played one game for the 67’s, with 0 points. Last season with Ottawa, Brady played 68 games and scored 37 goals and 20 assists, totaling 57 points. He is a definite goal scorer, averaging over half a goal per game in the OHL. He also finished the season with 66 penalty minutes, not a bruiser by any means but can definitely find himself in the penalty box every now and then.
In the playoffs, Brady’s scoring dropped significantly, scoring 2-1-3 in 11 GP. However, his regular season was good enough to earn him an invitation to the Oilers’ camp, and his performance at the camp was impressive enough to secure a contract. This goes to show that hard work can pay off, and one should never give up, even if they go undrafted.
The Oilers’ prospect cupboards are starting to look a little bare as they push towards winning the Stanley Cup, trading away draft picks and prospects for NHL talent that can help push them over the edge. Signing Stonehouse shows that the Oilers are still working, looking for creative ways to restock outside of the draft. Stonehouse will finish this season with the 67’s and likely start the year next year in Bakersfield. That’s when his journey towards the big club in Edmonton can really begin.
Rig City Sports 