Kayden Stroeder/ #10, Edmonton Oil Kings
Ht. 6’0” Wt. 165
Shoots: L
Pos: C
Stroeder is a player that, in theory, should be near unstoppable at the junior level. When he’s on, he’s almost at that mark; fast, a quick release, physical, and a 200-foot player. Most notably, Stroeder can get creative at times and pull off a passing play that not many saw coming, using his vision and speed to gain space, especially on the power play. The puck handling/decision making is a little spotty at times, as unforced giveaways can happen, and he can be known to rely on his speed (which, while high, isn’t blazing fast) to get around defenders on the rush as opposed to making a move or looking for an outlet feed.
Stroeder can very much play both sides of the puck, which is important for a player whose 13 points lead the Oil Kings thus far. Rarely does he get trapped in his own zone, unless it’s an off night, but the expectation from Stroeder is that he will work to get the puck back and he can often be found in the corners battling regardless of how many teammates are with him.
Kayden Stroeder | C | Edmonton Oil Kings
Kayden Stroeder’s impressive showing at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup in August with nine points (four goals, five assists) set the stage for him to have a big draft year. Despite starting slowly with just one goal and one assist for the Oil Kings through his first four games, the Saskatoon, SK, native broke out against the Regina Pats.
The 2024 Western Hockey League fifth overall pick posted a hat trick in his team’s lone game of the weekend. The 6-foot, 165-pound centre got himself a breakaway in the second period. The Regina goalie was able to make the initial save and his backhand, but with a second effort, the Oil Kings forward slipped the puck in. Later in the frame with Edmonton on the power play, Stroeder went for a skate around the top of the offensive zone before whipping a wrist shot that went off the inside of the crossbar and out. About halfway through the third period with the Oil Kings on the power play, Stroeder brought down the hats at Rogers Place. Following up on a rebound from a point shot, the Hlinka Gretzky gold medallist in 2026 chipped the puck over the goalie’s glove.
Kayden Stroeder
#10 Edmonton Oil Kings, Left shot centre. 6.00 / 165
DOB: March 1, 2009
Kayden Stroeder is a reliable two-way centre who impacts the game in all three zones. He plays with a high compete level and consistently works hard every shift. Stroeder is strong on his skates, allowing him to maintain possession through contact and win battles along the boards. He skates well with quick feet and above-average speed, enabling him to pressure opponents, close on pucks, and support the attack. He is trusted in all situations, contributing on both the power play and penalty kill, where he does an effective job of plugging passing and shooting lanes. His awareness and work ethic make him a dependable presence in defensive situations while still providing offensive upside.
To take the next step, improving his faceoff effectiveness will be important, particularly if he projects as a full-time NHL centre. Overall, Stroeder projects as a late first-round selection, currently around the 25th overall range. Depending on his development and organizational fit, he has the potential to become a first- or second-line NHL centre who can be utilized in all situations.
Stroeder had a very impressive performance, starting the night by showing off his passing ability with a pair of assists before scoring a goal of his own later in the game. His first point of the night came on a no-look pass from behind the goal line that fooled the Swedish defender, giving Benjamin Veitch
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