Oilers GM Bowman Bolsters Prospect Pool with Trio of Signings

Oilers add two young power forwards to AHL affiliate, steal top prospect from rival Chicago

Apr. 19, 2026 at 2:21am

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A cubist, fragmented painting depicting a hockey game, with players and the rink broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in blue, red, and white tones, capturing the dynamic energy of the sport.The Oilers' strategic roster moves demonstrate their commitment to building a contender through smart prospect development.Bakersfield Today

The Edmonton Oilers organization has made a flurry of moves to bolster their prospect pipeline, signing two young power forward prospects, David Lewandkowski and Simon Tassy, to amateur tryout contracts with their AHL affiliate in Bakersfield. The team also pulled off a major coup, luring top prospect Colton Dach away from the rival Chicago Blackhawks.

Why it matters

Developing a strong pipeline of young talent is crucial for NHL teams looking to build sustained success. The Oilers' moves demonstrate their commitment to that process, adding size and skill to their farm system as they aim to return to contention in the Western Conference.

The details

Lewandkowski, 19, and Tassy, 25, will join the Oilers' AHL club in Bakersfield on amateur tryout deals, giving them a chance to earn professional contracts. Meanwhile, the team pulled off a major transaction by signing 20-year-old power forward Colton Dach, who was previously property of the Chicago Blackhawks. Dach, the younger brother of Blackhawks star Kirby Dach, was considered one of the top young power forward prospects in the league.

  • The Oilers signed Lewandkowski and Tassy to AHL tryout deals on April 18, 2026.
  • The team announced the signing of Colton Dach on April 19, 2026.

The players

Stan Bowman

The general manager of the Edmonton Oilers, known for his savvy roster-building and ability to acquire top prospects.

David Lewandkowski

A 19-year-old power forward prospect signed by the Oilers to an AHL tryout contract.

Simon Tassy

A 25-year-old power forward prospect signed by the Oilers to an AHL tryout contract.

Colton Dach

A 20-year-old power forward prospect, considered one of the top young talents in the league, who was signed by the Oilers after being previously property of the Chicago Blackhawks.

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What they’re saying

“Colton Dach is exactly the kind of player we need to take our prospect pool to the next level. His combination of size, skill, and two-way ability is rare, and we're thrilled to have him join the Oilers organization.”

— Stan Bowman, General Manager, Edmonton Oilers

What’s next

Lewandkowski, Tassy, and Dach will all report to the Oilers' AHL affiliate in Bakersfield, where they will look to earn full professional contracts and work their way up to the NHL roster.

The takeaway

The Oilers' flurry of prospect signings, headlined by the acquisition of top talent Colton Dach, demonstrates the team's commitment to building a sustainable winner through smart drafting and development. These moves could pay dividends down the road as the Oilers aim to return to the playoffs and contend for the Stanley Cup.