The Edmonton Oilers continued to strengthen their ties to the Windsor Spitfires during the NHL Draft on Saturday, selecting defenceman Andrew Robinson in the fifth round and forward Caden Harvey in the sixth round. The picks mark the latest additions to a growing list of Spitfires connections within the Oilers organization.
Oilers Acquire Fifth-Round Pick to Select Robinson
The Oilers did not have a fifth-round pick entering the second day of the draft. However, they traded back six spots in the second round to acquire the 133rd overall pick from an unnamed team and used it to select Robinson. According to Rick Pracey, Edmonton's director of amateur scouting and a former Spitfires goaltending coach, the team targeted Robinson specifically with that pick.
“With that extra pick, we were able to get a guy we targeted,” Pracey said. “Skating’s his call card, puck moving. It stamps our philosophical approach to find hidden value.”
Robinson and Harvey React to Being Drafted
Robinson, 18, was at the draft in Buffalo supporting teammate Ethan Belchetz, who was selected by the Utah Mammoth in the first round on Friday. He spent three anxious hours waiting before hearing his name called.
“I was sitting there for probably three hours, but thank God I had my family and friends with me,” Robinson said. “I heard my name called and kind of blacked out. It’s such a special feeling and something you dream about as a kid. I knew (Edmonton) had interest, but you never know.”
Harvey, who opted to stay at his home in Pennsylvania with his family, received a call from his future Penn State coach Guy Gadowsky two minutes before his name appeared on the draft board.
“My (future) Penn State coach was at the draft and called me two minutes before it came up on the board,” Harvey said. “He kind of spoiled it. It’s a big relief and something I’ve been working for my whole life. I’m ready to get started.”
Windsor Connections Run Deep in Edmonton
The draft picks are the latest in a series of moves that have strengthened the Oilers' ties to Windsor. Last week, Windsor native and former Spitfires coach and captain D.J. Smith signed on as Edmonton's associate coach. He joined former Spitfires captain Paul McFarland, who is an assistant coach, and Windsor native Peter Aubry, the goaltending coach. Former Spitfires general manager Warren Rychel is Edmonton's director of pro scouting, and assistant general manager Keith Gretzky is a former Spitfire. Pracey, who still lives in Essex County, served as the Spitfires' goaltending coach at the turn of the century.
“I joked with the guys (that) I might have some explaining to do with my wife,” Pracey said. “I travel all over the world and take two guys in my backyard.”
Both Players Head to Edmonton's Rookie Camp
Robinson and Harvey were quickly on the road Sunday heading to Edmonton's rookie camp, ready to begin their professional careers with the organization that has shown a clear preference for Windsor talent.
