Edmonton Oilers prospect Quinn Hutson is rapidly adapting to professional hockey, showing significant progress with the Bakersfield Condors in the American Hockey League. The 23-year-old forward, who joined the organization after completing his collegiate career at Boston University, is beginning to demonstrate why the Oilers invested in his future.
From College Star to Professional Challenge
Quinn Hutson's transition to the NHL organization came quickly after he signed a two-year entry-level contract on April 14, 2025. His initial experience with the Oilers was brief but valuable, appearing in two of the final three regular-season games while the team dealt with injuries heading into the playoffs. However, due to eligibility rules, he couldn't participate in the postseason, marking an abrupt end to his first taste of the big league.
This season, Hutson has been developing his skills full-time with the AHL's Bakersfield Condors, where he's already making an impact. Through the first 11 games, he's tied for the team lead with four goals and has added two assists, showing the offensive capability that made him a standout in college hockey.
Finding His Footing in the AHL
According to Bakersfield Condors head coach Colin Chaulk, Hutson's development follows a familiar pattern for high-offense players adjusting to the professional level. "Quinn reminds me a little bit of Matt Savoie when it comes to his offensive production, Year 1 in the American league," Chaulk observed. "Meaning he's getting some good looks and he's doing some good things offensively, and it hasn't been going in for him."
The breakthrough came during a recent game against the Henderson Silver Knights, where Hutson scored twice in the third period, helping secure a 5-3 victory and completing a series sweep. This performance demonstrated his growing comfort and capability at the professional level.
Sky-High Potential and Development Areas
Hutson's collegiate numbers suggest significant upside. He finished his Boston University career second in the NCAA with 1.39 points per game, trailing only Isaac Howard of Michigan State, who posted a 1.41 average. Howard, who won the Hobey Baker Award, was also acquired by the Oilers during the offseason, creating an interesting dynamic between two highly-touted prospects.
Coach Chaulk and assistant coach Adam Krug are working with Hutson on specific aspects of his game to maximize his potential. "What we're looking at is, is he getting chances? Is he getting in the areas to get good looks? The answer is yes," Chaulk stated. "The areas that myself and Adam Krug are working on him with is trying to get him moving his feet when he has the puck, skating on first touch, getting off the wall, getting to the middle of the ice."
The coaching staff has identified that Hutson sometimes relies on habits that worked in college but need refinement for professional success. "He finds he's been able to get away with those, maybe standing and watching, not beating his check to the net to get a few more looks," Chaulk noted, highlighting the ongoing development process.
As Hutson continues to adapt to the professional game, his early performance with the Condors suggests he's on the right track to eventually contribute to the Edmonton Oilers' NHL roster. His offensive instincts and growing understanding of the professional game make him a prospect worth watching as the AHL season progresses.
