The Edmonton Oilers didn’t want to miss out on Friday’s action.

Edmonton acquired the 32nd overall pick from the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for a conditional first-round pick in 2025 or 2026. Kevin Kruz of The Athletic reported that the first-round pick is top-12 protected.

Last season’s Western Conference champions then went on to select London Knights forward Sam O’Reilly with the final pick in the first round of the 2024 NHL Draft.

O’Reilly recorded 20 goals and 36 assists in 68 games for the Knights last season. He also added one goal and three assists in four games at the Memorial Cup tournament.

The six-foot-one forward was ranked No. 50 in Jason Bukala’s final pre-draft rankings.

“O’Reilly is still raw in some categories,” Bukala wrote. “He’s scratching the surface of his overall ability. His small area agility and edges have room to improve, but it doesn’t hold him back at this stage of his development.”

Before the trade, the Oilers weren’t scheduled to make a selection until the 64th overall pick in the second round.

The Edmonton Oilers made a bold move in the 2021 NHL Draft by trading up to the 32nd pick to select forward Sam O’Reilly. The Oilers, who finished the previous season with a disappointing record, were looking to add some depth to their roster and saw O’Reilly as a promising prospect.

O’Reilly, a 19-year-old forward from Ontario, has been turning heads in the junior leagues with his impressive speed and scoring ability. Standing at 6’1″ and weighing in at 190 pounds, O’Reilly is known for his strong skating and puck-handling skills, making him a valuable asset on the ice.

The Oilers’ decision to trade up for O’Reilly shows their commitment to building a stronger team for the upcoming season. With star players like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl leading the way, adding a young talent like O’Reilly could provide a much-needed boost to their offensive lineup.

O’Reilly will have the opportunity to learn from some of the best players in the league and develop his skills under the guidance of experienced coaches. With hard work and dedication, he has the potential to make a significant impact on the Oilers’ roster in the future.

Overall, the Edmonton Oilers’ decision to trade up for Sam O’Reilly in the draft is a strategic move that could pay off in the long run. Fans will be eagerly watching as O’Reilly takes to the ice and showcases his talents in the upcoming season.