Edmonton Oilers Send Forward to AHL In Preparation for Two More Roster Moves

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Liam McCormick
November 5, 2024 (11:58)

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The Edmonton Oilers announced this afternoon that forward Drake Caggiula has been sent to the AHL's Bakersfield Condors. This was an expected move, and frees up space for the Oilers to make two more important roster moves.

With Caggiula off the NHL roster, the Oilers are able to place Evander Kane back on the active roster to accrue daily cap space. Edmonton had to move Kane to the LTIR to get reinforcements for Connor McDavid's injury, but now will be able to resume their season-long strategy to maximize their cap flexibility.

Additionally, this seems to be great news for Connor McDavid's injury. Yesterday after an optional practice, McDavid himself now called his injury more day-to-day, and didn't rule out a return next Saturday night against the Vancouver Canucks. When McDavid returns, the Oilers will have another interesting decision to make with rookie Noah Philp.

Philp impressed everyone in training camp this season after coming out of retirement the year before. In three games with the Oilers Philp's recorded his first NHL point and played a reliable two way game on the fourth line. It's possible that instead of Philp being sent back to the AHL, it's veteran centerman Derek Ryan, who was a healthy scratch for two games.

Caggiula is just a 30 year old depth forward, but this one roster move involving him has some effect on very important pieces for the team. Caggiula played well in his two games back in the NHL, that was reportedly well earned after an impressive start in Bakersfield. He may not return again this season, but it's great the Oilers have vets like him in the system for their younger players to lean on.