BEAU AKEY is a sponge. The promising D-man from Waterloo, Ont., is making a habit of watching and learning at every opportunity.
Drafted 56th overall by the Edmonton Oilers in June, Akey had his eyes wide open when he got his first look at the team’s top-level facilities during summer development camp. And he’s pinching himself that a franchise staple like Sam Gagner would wander over to say hello and wish him well while he’s quietly eating his lunch.
Like Akey, Gagner is an Ontario native. So are veterans Zach Hyman and Darnell Nurse and rising stars Evan Bouchard and Ryan McLeod. And some guy named Connor McDavid, too. All of the above have thrived in Edmonton as the Oilers set their sights on a Stanley Cup. “Every kid dreams of playing…
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The Hockey News (Digital) - 1 Issue, Prospects Unlimited 2023