Edmonton Oilers Send Down Two Players to AHL, Part of Consistent Pattern of Roster Moves
Just minutes after the Edmonton Oilers beat the New York Rangers last night, the team announced a roster move to send Drake Caggiula and Josh Brown back to the AHL, as part of an effort to accrue cap space.
Josh Brown didn't play in last night's game, but Drake Caggiula was probably just getting out of the shower when he got the news to head back to the Bakersfield Condors.
It's a minor move involving depth players, but it's part of a consistent effort the Oilers are taking that will give them more salary cap space at the trade deadline.
According to PuckPedia, at the moment, the Oilers could add $4.5M in salary cap hit at the deadline - up to $9M or more with retention. The Oilers will likely make more roster moves between now and the deadline though, especially with injuries, so that number could change.
The Oilers had both players up on the NHL roster to fill in for injuries and an extra while Zach Hyman and Victor Arvidsson are out with injury.
Now that the Oilers have the next 5 days off, they can afford to be short a player on the roster, and can send both players to the minors. Salary cap space is accrued daily and the less the Oilers spend now, the more they will be able to spend later.
It's the reason why Evander Kane is out for most of the season, but the Oilers have been trying to stay away LTIR spending. Having a player on LTIR limits the amount you can accrue daily.
The Oilers did recently dip into LTIR spending, to claim Kasperi Kapanen on waivers and call up replacement players after the injuries.
For now, this 5 day break for the Edmonton Oilers until their next game comes at a welcomed time. It'll allow their players some rest and recovery, and help the salary cap situation.
The Oilers next game is Friday, November 29th on the road against the Utah Hockey Club.
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