October 3, 2022 by Spencer Pomoty

The Edmonton Oilers have signed their 2021 seventh-round pick Maximus Wanner to an entry-level deal. The Moose Jaw defenseman looked great at development camp and got the opportunity to be on a pair with Oiler’s defenseman Darnell Nurse. Wanner heads back to Moose Jaw this year with higher expectations. After only putting up four assists in 17 games during the 2021-22 season, Wanner took a massive step forward producing six goals alongside 17 assists in 23 games. The playoffs are where the seventh rounder took off. In nine playoff games, Wanner scored three goals and added four assists.

Ever since hearing his name on draft day, Wanner has made immense progress. The area I have noticed the most improvement is his overall offensive game and puck abilities. When Wanner was drafted I looked back at some film and saw a guy who was 6’3, has great four-way mobility, and held his own in the defensive end. Last year I noticed he took a massive step, his puck retrieval tendencies vastly improved, scanning through his options with the puck, extremely willing to be the fourth man in the rush, and regularly activates down the wall.

The expectation for the right shot defenseman this year is to continue to progress. Going into his 19-year-old season in the WHL whenever he is on the ice, he should be almost dominant. Moose Jaw has a great team this year, Wanner should anchor their top pair alongside 2022 Columbus Blue Jackets first round pick Denton Mateychuk. Last year he quarterbacked their second unit powerplay and I expect him to do the same. Moose Jaw will lean heavily on Wanner this season, Oiler fans should be excited to see how he handles it, and excited for the player if he keeps progressing as is.