Dan Janakas put together the ranking of the top seven prospects in the Edmonton Oilers' organization.  For the purposes of this list, a player is considered a prospect until he has played the rookie maximum of 25 NHL games in one season.

2001 first-rounder is an excellent stick-handler at top speed. Accelerates quickly and is able to pick holes through the backline while driving to the net. It’s not a question of if but when will Ales be a future Oiler star. Ales will need to bulk up his small 170 pound frame to advance into the starting line-up.

2002 final update: 
Hemsky had another strong year in junior, totaling 27-70-97 in 53 games this season for the Hull Olympiques. Hemsky appears to be a bit injury-prone, but he should challenge for a roster spot next season on an Oilers team in desperate need for some additional offensive-minded players.

Lanky Russian second-rounder came close to making the Oilers two years ago but was returned to Sudbury where he had a stellar season.  Possesses a strong shot from the point and the ability to make intelligent outlet passes. Once Alexei grows into his body and improves his balance and coordination he will be ready to take a spot on the Oilers blueline.

2002 final update: 
Semenov had a strong showing in his first professional season with the Hamilton Bulldogs, scoring 5-11-16 and adding 67 PIM in 78 games.  His size would be a welcome addition to the Oilers defence, but he will be in tough to earn a roster spot with Edmonton next season.

Quick skating center/left-winger works hard and competes on every shift.  Exhibits same drive and tenacity as Ryan Smyth.  His best assets are his speed, work habits and determination to win the puck at all cost.

2002 final update: 
Chimera has done all he can at the AHL level.  He scored 77 points in 77 games (26 goals, 51 assists) this season, and showed he isn't afraid to mix it up after amassing 158 penalty minutes.  He was recalled for three games with the Oilers, scoring one goal.  Chimera is ready for the NHL, and has been a last-day training camp cut the past two years.  He will be on the Oilers team next year.

Emerged from the 2001 World Junior Tournament as a top prospect.  Proved he can skate and play an aggressive brand of hockey. Will have to have to step-up his play to make it in the bigger, faster NHL. Has potential to develop into a solid top 6 NHL forward.  Has a good nose for the net and is strong on his skates.  Will be back at some point in the year.

2002 final update: 
Rita was impressive in his first season of North American professional league play.  He scored 25-17-42 in 76 games with Hamilton.  He was recalled by the Oilers for a one game look-see in March, and he should challenge for a roster spot with Edmonton next season.

Tough as nails rearguard is able to play on the power-play where he uses a big accurate shot.  Aggressive style of play often gets him into trouble but if he can control his temper may get a mid-season call-up.  Is able to move defenders from the net easily but has some trouble one-on-one backing in to his own zone.

2002 final update: 
Pisa finished the season as the Oilers' seventh defenceman, but only saw action in two games.  He looked overwhelmed in the two NHL games he played, and will likely need additional AHL development time.  He had a solid first year with the Bulldogs, totaling 6-12-18 with 62 PIM in an injury-shortened 52 game season.

Former first-rounder had a poor start to his pro career. He was not impressive at camp and his poor start carried over to Hamilton.  This year Michael had a much better camp and exhibited more jump and drive to his game.  He appears to have added some intensity to his game and seems more committed to improving his play.  Will be back for look later in the year.

2002 final update:
After a tremendous NHL training camp, Henrich suffered through an injury-plagued AHL season, totaling 14-24-38 in 67 games.  With the Oilers looking to add more offensive depth to their lineup Henrich may have another shot at cracking the lineup in 2002-03, but with other prospects in the system he is rapidly running out of time.

Alexei is a huge forward whose 6’5” stature made him appealing to the Oilers. In addition to his size, Alexei is very balanced on his skates and handles the puck well. He has shown a resolve to improve his defensive play and to upgrade his shot.  Some scouts have compared him favourably to Dave Andreychuk. He is considered to be at least 2 years away from having a chance to crack the Oilers line-up.

2002 final update:
Mikhnov has yet to live-up to the potential that saw the Oilers draft him in the first round of the 1999 draft.  In 26 games with Dynamo Moscow this year, he totaled just 2-1-3.  The Oilers are reportedly hoping to get Mikhnov to come to North America next season so that they can better develop him in their AHL system.  But at this point, he is looking like another first round bust for Edmonton.

Steve's Oilers Web Site compiled a list of some of the other major prospects in the Oilers' system.  This is by no means intended to be a definitive list of all of the Oilers prospects.
 

Big Finnish defender is strong and hard to move off his feet. Kari plays a low-risk game in his own end.  Is willing to jump into the play but prefers to stay-at-home and take care of defensive responsibilities first.  Comes with a reputation as a bit of scrapper.

2002 final update:
Haakana came close to cracking the Oilers lineup out of training camp, but was then reassigned to Hamilton where he had two assists in six games before being sent to Jokerit of the Finnish Elite League, where he added three assists in 36 games.  While Edmonton likes Haakana's mean streak, his age (he'll be 30 in August) and the other defensive prospects in the Oilers system likely preclude him cracking the lineup.

Said to be faster that Todd Marchant, Salmelainen has a high level of skill but must learn to play more gritty if he hopes to adapt to the NHL game. He is said to have committed to play in Finland for two more seasons before venturing to North America.

2002 final update:
Salmelainen played for Ilves Tampere of the SM-Liiga league in Finland, scoring 10-9-19 with 30 PIM in 49 games.  He will play in Finland again next season, but the Oilers hope to get a look at him in the 2003-04 season.

Swanson was signed as a free agent on Aug. 19, 1999.  Brian is a good skater with excellent playmaking skills, and he has shown a knack for drawing defenders toward him to free up linemates.  Brian may still need to gain more weight and strength in order to fend off NHL defenders.

2002 final update:
Swanson tore it up in the AHL this season, scoring 34-39-73 in 65 games. His hard work finally earned him a call-up to Edmonton in March, where he added in 1-1-2 in eight games.  However, with the Oilers already icing three small centers in Mike Comrie, Mike York and Todd Marchant Swanson has to be considered a long-shot to make the team next season. There is no question that Swanson is ready for the NHL, but it may not be with the Oilers.