Edmonton Oilers Make Strange Roster Move To Recall Their Worst Defenceman

The Oilers committed to Brown this offseason with a three year contract, but his play in training camp and preseason was poor enough to be cut from the team.

It's surprising to see the Oilers calling up Brown now, because there seems to be no reason for a call up at the moment.

It's possible that with a back to back game today, another Oilers defenceman may be out with a minor injury. The Oilers haven't practiced this morning, so it's currently unknown who could miss out.

Of course, it could also be possible that recalling Brown is a precursor to another roster move of more consequence.

According to Daniel Nugent-Bowman of the Athletic, all regular Oilers defenceman are expected to play in Seattle, but calling up Brown may just be for an extra body on a long road trip.

On defence, Josh Brown may be coming up because Alec Regula still isn't ready to practice with the team. The Oilers most recent waiver claim is still recovering from knee surgery, and is considered out indefinitely.

The Oilers will have a few other tough roster decisions to make in the coming weeks. Noah Philp is ready to be called up to the NHL, Evander Kane's return from injury will force a move, and the Oilers may trade for another forward.

For however long he's in the lineup for this call up, hopefully Josh Brown can make a good impression that could lead him towards more NHL ice time - likely with another team than the Oilers.