Today the Edmonton Oilers have decided to sign 2024 first-round pick Sam O'Reilly to a contract in the middle of the season. The Edmonton Oilers have made a big move this afternoon signing forward Sam O'Reilly to his entry-level deal. According to reports, the move comes after the Oilers were impressed with Sam O'Reilly's play during training camp and the preseason. <div align='center'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/jasongregor/status/1848439942546133032'> </a></blockquote></div> <div align='center'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/NHL_Rosters/status/1848441232634048540'> </a></blockquote></div> The Edmonton Oilers selected Sam O'Reilly at <a href='https://www.nhl.com/oilers/news/release-oilers-acquire-32nd-overall-pick-select-sam-o-reilly-from-london' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>32nd overall in the 2024 NHL Draft</a>and have looked at him as one of the big pieces of their future. After joining the Oilers for training camp and preseason Sam O'Reilly was returned to the London Knights of the OHL where he has now played several games. So far this season with the <a href='https://chl.ca/ohl-knights/' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>London Knights</a> Sam O'Reilly has played 7 games and tallied 5 total points in the OHL. During his draft season, <a href='https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/911102/sam-o-reilly' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>O'Reilly was seen as a fringe first-rounder after scoring 56 points in 68 games.</a> He will continue to develop with the prestigious London Knights known for producing many future NHLers throughout their franchise existence. <div align='center'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/Bob_Stauffer/status/1840515878145966139'> </a></blockquote></div> With Sam O'Reilly now signed it means the Edmonton Oilers see a future in the NHL for him sooner rather than later. He will not play with the Oilers in 2024-25 but could see an extended look in the preseason with the team next season. If he plays well in the OHL this season and shows significant improvement he could create a conversation about making the roster next season due to his strong two-way game. For now, Sam O'Reilly will stay in London and play with other recent first-round picks like Easton Cowan and Sam Dickinson as the London Knights look to win a Memorial Cup. Eventually, he should earn a spot on the Edmonton Oilers roster. In the last several seasons the Oilers have struggled to find players on cheap contracts who can contribute and if Sam O'Reilly develops properly he could provide exactly that.