Oilers Quick Hits: Size, IQ, and Two Different Paths in Round 3
The Edmonton Oilers didn’t try to force one identity through the middle rounds of the 2026 NHL Draft. Instead, they took two very different swings that say a lot about how they’re thinking about depth long-term. One pick leans into size, structure, and patience down the middle. The other is more about hockey sense, timing, and quiet offensive instincts that don’t always show up in highlight reels but tend to matter down the line.
Rudolfs Berzkalns: Edmonton Adds Size, Simplicity, and Long-Term Upside at 58th Overall.
The Oilers went a different direction at 58th overall, grabbing Rudolfs Berzkalns — a 6-foot-4 centre who doesn’t try to overcomplicate the game. He’s a straight-line, north-south player who leans on his frame, keeps things simple, and earns trust wherever he plays. Born in Latvia and developed through the U.S. system, he’s spent the last couple of seasons with Muskegon in the USHL, steadily building his game.
This past year was a bit of a breakout in terms of responsibility. Berzkalns put up 13 goals and 25 points in 48 regular-season games, then followed it up with 10 points in 12 playoff games. That’s the kind of late-season push teams notice. He’s now headed to Boston College, where the expectation is he’ll get a real shot to step into a meaningful role early on.
What does Berzkalns mean for the Oilers?
This is a classic long-view pick. Edmonton isn’t expecting him anytime soon, but they are clearly betting on size and structure developing into a bottom-six centre down the line. If it clicks, it’s the kind of player who makes a lineup harder to play against without needing to be flashy.
Related: Catching Up With ex-Oilers' Jesse Puljujärvi.
Malcom Gastrin: Oilers Add a Late-Round Playmaker with High Hockey IQ.
At 84th overall, Edmonton took a different swing with Malcom Gastrin, a Swedish forward who doesn’t wow you with power or speed. Instead, he keeps showing up in the right places. His game is built on awareness, timing, and the ability to read plays before they fully develop. He’s the type of player who generates chances by being in the right spots at the right time.
There’s also a bit of family context here. His older brother, Milton, was a high pick in 2025 (37th overall by Washington) and has already been moved once, heading to St. Louis in the Jordan Kyrou deal. Malcom is younger, still developing, and won’t turn 18 until mid-August. That timeline matters. There’s no rush here, and plenty of runway for growth. He’ll also be in the mix for Sweden’s World Junior team this winter.
What does Gastrin mean for the Oilers?
This is a low-risk, high-IQ swing. If Berzkalns is about size and structure, Gastrin is about vision and patience. Edmonton is basically covering both ends of the development spectrum. One player might become a matchup centre, and the other could turn into a smart middle-six playmaker if everything clicks.