Edmonton Oilers Healthy Scratch Defenceman Amid Trade Rumours

When the Oilers do make their expected trade for a top four defenceman, Troy Stecher is likely going to be the odd man out.

After a stretch of poor games in their most recent road trip, including 8 penalty minutes against Anaheim, Stecher will be taken out for Josh Brown in tonight's game. Corey Perry will also draw back in for Derek Ryan.

The Oilers are currently on a fast paced 4 game road trip which promoted the recall of Josh Brown, but he is the team's worst defenceman. Despite being signed to a three year deal last offseason, Brown has played just 3 NHL games this year.

Earlier in this season, Stecher was often playing between 14-16 minutes. However, in his last 7 games he's played 12 or fewer minutes. It seems the Oilers may be getting ready to move on from Stecher.

The Oilers seemed to go through a similar pattern with Travis Dermott before he landed on waivers in the month of December.

It's less likely the Oilers would risk losing Stecher on waivers now, but it could mean a change is coming to the lineup. The Oilers also signed Stecher to a contract for league minimum of $787K until the 2025-26 season.

The Oilers also claimed Alec Regula on waivers, and they reportedly believe could be a promising NHL player. If Regula is coming back from injury, the Oilers won't have the room to keep Stecher and an extra forward.

Perhaps Bowman is close to making a deal, or the Oilers are just getting a look with another defender in the lineup. If the Oilers do place him on waivers this season, hopefully he clears and is able to stay in the organization as a depth option for injury.