The Edmonton Oilers have recalled forward Quinn Hutson from the Bakersfield Condors, signaling a potential shakeup in their offensive lineup. The 23-year-old has been tearing up the AHL, leading all rookies in both goals (16) and points (28) through 24 games. This move comes after the Oilers' recent 4-1 loss to the Montreal Canadiens, a game where the team struggled to generate secondary scoring.

Hutson's impressive performance in the AHL has made him a hot topic among Oilers fans and analysts alike. Many believe he has earned this opportunity and could provide a much-needed spark to the Oilers' bottom-six forwards. "Quinn Hutson has earned the recall," stated Oilers Now host Bob Stauffer following the announcement. He further added that the Oilers "…could use a boost in the secondary scoring department".

Hutson's strengths lie in his offensive abilities. He possesses a non-stop motor, high-end puck skills, a solid hockey IQ, and evident offensive senses. He excels as both a sniper and a playmaker, making him a versatile offensive threat. According to reports, 85% of his AHL shifts start in the offensive zone, where he also sees power-play time as a facilitator and shooter.

Before the season, Hutson was ranked as the 10th-best prospect in the Oilers' system, but his recent surge has undoubtedly elevated his status. Some now consider him a top-three prospect. While he narrowly missed making the Oilers' roster out of training camp, his time in Bakersfield has allowed him to hone his skills and dominate at the professional level.

The question now is where Hutson will fit into the Oilers' lineup and how much ice time he will receive. While some believe his offensive abilities could be utilized in the top-six, it is more likely that he will start in a bottom-six role. There, he could provide an offensive complement to players like Ryan Nugent-Hopkins or Adam Henrique. Some fans worry that he may not get enough ice time to make a significant impact if he is not playing in the top six.

Hutson is not entirely new to the NHL, having appeared in two games with the Oilers near the end of the 2024-25 season. This experience could help him adjust to the pace and intensity of the NHL more quickly.

Hutson's journey to the NHL has been unconventional. He was undrafted in 2020 and spent time developing in the USHL before making a name for himself at Boston University. Last season, he led the Terriers with 50 points, attracting the attention of NHL teams. The Oilers signed him to a two-year entry-level contract in April.

Adding another layer of intrigue to his story, Quinn Hutson is the older brother of Montreal Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson. Lane won the Calder Trophy last year, the NHL's equivalent of Rookie of the Year.

The Oilers are hoping that Hutson can bring his offensive momentum to the NHL and help address their need for more consistent secondary scoring. His skill set and recent performance suggest he has the potential to make a positive impact. Whether this is the right call remains to be seen, but the Oilers are betting that Hutson's offensive surge can translate to success at the highest level.