This abrupt news derailed any chances of head coach Chris Knoblauch inserting him into the lineup as the Oilers defence continues to struggle and needs a shake up. Stecher, who was traded at the deadline from the Arizona Coyotes had played seven games for the Oilers during the regular season and had two assists and was a + 4. He also averaged 16 minutes per game of ice time.
But since his injury, Stecher has missed all fifteen playoff games and appears to be a bust in terms of trade positive for the team.
It's clear that the Oilers will need to make some changes to their blue line as
Game 3 exposed their flaws. Players like Cody Ceci, Darnell Nurse and Evan Bouchard had a particularly tough game when the Stars took over in the second period.
Losing Stecher is certainly a blow to the Oilers depth and would have given the defence corps a different look as Knoblauch and Paul Coffey continued to search for answers.
The Oilers will look to redeem themselves in game 4 as it will be held on May 29th. Game time will be 8:30 PM eastern.
POLL | ||
MAI 28 | 242 ANSWERS Oilers announce season ending ankle surgery for defeseman Troy Stecher Do you feel Troy Stecher was a bust of a trade for the Oilers? | ||
Yes | 166 | 68.6 % |
No | 76 | 31.4 % |
List of polls |