Multiple NHL drafts came and went with Dylan Edwards not being selected. However, a strong showing down the stretch could change his fortune. Edwards’ agent, Wade Arnott, told The Athletic’s Julian McKenzie (subscription link) that there are NHL teams interested in signing the youngster for the upcoming season. The interest has predominantly come from Eastern Conference teams thus far.
The 20-year-old had a strong showing in 2024-25, picking up 56 points in 66 games with OHL Erie during the regular season before becoming more productive in the playoffs. There, he chipped in with six goals and nine assists in just nine games but it still wasn’t enough to get him drafted in his final year of eligibility.
Edwards remained with Erie to start the season, picking up 39 points in 32 games before being moved to Kitchener at the trade deadline. With the Rangers, the five-foot-eight winger was even more productive, tallying 24 goals and 24 helpers in 35 games down the stretch. Once again, he found another gear in the postseason, notching 14 goals and 11 assists in 18 games, finishing third in the league in goals and sixth in points while helping Kitchener win the league title. Edwards then finished tied for fourth in Memorial Cup scoring as they went undefeated in that tournament to wrap up the season.
With his major junior eligibility now exhausted, Edwards has committed to play at Quinnipiac University next season. However, Arnott noted that his client prefers to forgo college altogether and make the jump to the pros next season. We’ll see soon enough if a team is willing to give him that chance via a three-year, entry-level contract.