Seven Oilers Prospects Set for NCAA Season
Edmonton has seven drafted prospects playing Division I college hockey in 2026-27. The group includes Asher Barnett at Michigan, Bauer Berry at St. Thomas, and Paul Fischer at Notre Dame, among others. The article profiles each player and their expected roles this season.
The NCAA Division I men’s season began Oct. 2, with the Frozen Four scheduled for Washington in April. Edmonton has seven drafted prospects in college hockey, including Michigan sophomore defenceman Asher Barnett, an alternate captain who posted 18 points and a plus-27 rating last season.
St. Thomas enters the NCHC after leaving the CCHA; Bauer Berry returns after a freshman year with 14 points and 21 team wins. Notre Dame’s Paul Fischer is a senior alternate captain with 103 career games, while Western Michigan freshman Tommy Lafreniere scored 41 WHL goals and played eight AHL games.
This story may matter most to Oilers fans, college hockey followers, and the players’ campuses. Tracking seven prospects could boost attention for NCAA programs like Michigan, St. Thomas, Notre Dame, Western Michigan, and UMass Lowell. Strong seasons may shape fan expectations and player development paths, while World Junior opportunities could raise profiles. The impact likely remains within sports communities rather than broader society.