The Edmonton Oilers have officially entered the 2026 NHL Entry Draft fray, making their first selection in the second round, 58th overall, by choosing Latvian centre Rudolfs Berzkalns. This pick came after a trade that sent the Oilers' original second-round selection, 52nd overall, to the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for picks 58 and 133.
Berzkalns, a 6-foot-4, 203-pound left-shot centre, spent the past season with the Muskegon Lumberjacks of the U. S. Hockey League (USHL), where he registered 13 goals and 12 assists for 25 points in 48 games. He also contributed four goals and six assists in 16 playoff games for the Lumberjacks. Prior to his time in the USHL, Berzkalns played for Bishop Kearney. He has also represented Latvia internationally at the World Junior Championships for the past two years, notably scoring a crucial goal against Canada in the 2026 tournament.
The Oilers' new prospect is committed to playing NCAA hockey for Boston College in the upcoming 2026-27 season. Scouts describe Berzkalns as a physical, defensively responsible player with a long reach, who uses his size effectively in board battles and along the walls. While not considered a high-octane offensive producer, his game is noted for its maturity, toughness, and potential to become a solid bottom-six forward at the NHL level. He is the third Latvian player ever drafted by the Oilers, joining Aleksandrs Kerčs and the late Kristiāns Pelšs in the franchise's history.
