The Oilers placed Lane Pederson, Ben Gleason, Phil Kemp, and Colin Delia on waivers this morning. James Hamblin has also been sent down to the AHL's Bakersfield Condors.
Lane Pederson and James Hamblin were outside candidates to make the NHL roster this year, but they've been outplayed by a few other young players who are notably still at training camp.
Noah Philp was skating with the Oilers expected fourth line in place of Derek Ryan today, which is a great indication that he will make the team. Raphael Lavoie was absent from practice today, but is reportedly still feeling the effects of an earlier injury and can still play exhibition games. Lavoie is eligible to be placed on waivers and would likely be claimed, so the Oilers may soon be forced into a decision with his future in the organization.
On the blue line, pairings have remained the same. Ty Emberson is skating with Darnell Nurse and Josh Brown is serving as the sixth defenceman. Troy Stecher and Travis Dermott are still at camp, battling for the spot of the 7th defenceman. Josh Brown has shown some struggles in the early action, so it may be smart for the Oilers to keep both Dermott and Stecher around this season. Dermott is still on a tryout offer, and would likely have to agree to a two-way contract.
There's only two more preseason games left before the Oilers begin their regular season. In the last two games, Knoblauch and the team will start to play their expected regular season lines together and start to develop some chemistry. Gear up Oilers fans, hockey is finally back!
POLL | ||
Who do you think will make the Oilers opening night roster? | ||
Noah Philp | 33 | 38.8 % |
Raphael Lavoie | 21 | 24.7 % |
Neither/Both | 27 | 31.8 % |
See Results | 4 | 4.7 % |
List of polls |