New group at Oilers training camp indicates one standout player will make NHL roster
Photo credit: NHL
The Edmonton Oilers took the ice for practice today with a new group as the get into the final days of preseason action.
A few younger players that were candidates to make the team were absent from practice today, which now consists almost entirely of NHL regulars. James Hamblin, Lane Pederson, Ben Gleason, and Raphael Lavoie were not at practice.
One standout player that is still in attendance is Noah Philp. The 26 year old forward is returning to hockey after taking an entire year away from the game. Philp impressed everyone with his hard work, checking game, and physical fitness, so much so that he's been named a possibility to make the team. Philp was skating on the fourth line in place of Derek Ryan at times, which is a great indication that he really will make the team.
Both James Hamblin and Raphael Lavoie had excellent training camps and look to be NHL capable players at the moment. The Oilers can send Hamblin down to the AHL and call him up at any time to fill in for injuries, but Raphael Lavoie would be highly likely to be claimed on waivers. If Lavoie isn't staying on the NHL roster, the Oilers may be forced into moving him in a trade. At the moment, it's not clear if Lavoie is being sent down or missed practice with injury.
The Oilers placed Pederson, Gleason, Kemp, and Delia on waivers today. The team hasn't announced formal training camp cuts yet, but that's likely what they are.
Also of note, the defence pairings remain the same to the projected opening night pairings. Josh Brown has caused some concerns with his struggles in the preseason, but the Oilers still have great depth options with Stecher and Dermott still at camp. Hopefully the Oilers will be able to agree to terms with Dermott to keep him for defensive depth, perhaps on a two-way contract.
The Oilers will play only two more preseason games before their regular season opener at home against the Winnipeg Jets on October 9th. Oilers hockey is almost here!
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