According to reports surfacing this morning, the Edmonton Oilers have signed power forward prospect Connor Clattenburg to an entry level contract.

The Oilers selected Clattenburg in the 5th round of the 2024 draft, and there was some serious doubt about the pick at the time.

However, with his recent play, it appears the scouting department may have found an under the radar gem here. This morning, Clattenburg’s agent announced that an entry level contract has been signed.

Clattenburg’s scoring has seen a significant jump this season with 10 goals and 18 points in 22 games. If he can put together a scoring touch with his rugged style of play, he could put together the tools of a valuable NHLer.

Just last week, Clattenburg was highlighted as one of 5 prospects that caught the eye of Oilers prospect expert Bruce Curlock.

According to Curlock’s tracking, Clattenburg is displaying some improved offensive skills this year, a development that could’ve pushed the Oilers to get a contract signed.

He’s instant chaos on every shift in a good way. He keeps the other team very honest. However, there is also some offence here

He actually displays some very high skill scoring… He often leaks out on transition and finds the soft spot to get a pass. He has excellent speed and size, so catching and defending him is very tough. When he gets to the net, he definitely has an idea of what to do.»

– Bruce Curlock, Oilers Nation

Along with this uptick in scoring, Clattenburg’s speed and crash and bang style are holding up, making him a much improved player this year.

Clattenburg has been named the captain of his junior team this year, and is being leaned on for heavy minutes. As a 6’2, 200+ pound player too, he’s got the size of an NHL player already.

Now with a contract officially signed, Oilers fans will be tracking Clattenburg’s progress as a prospect over the next few years. Hopefully in a few years, Clattenburg can be making an impact for the NHL club.