Oilers Connected to Claiming Defenceman on Waivers Who Has History with Knoblauch

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Liam McCormick
October 6, 2024 (4:36 PM)

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The Edmonton Oilers may be placing a claim on a defenceman who has a history with Coach Kris Knoblauch.

Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal brought noted that the New York Rangers waived Matthew Robertson today. Robertson is a promising young defender born and raised in Edmonton, and played 6 years with the Oil Kings. In the AHL's Hartford Wolf Pack, Robertson played just over two seasons under Kris Knoblauch, too.

»Some team might claim ex Oil Kings D and Rangers farmhand D Matthew Robertson. Only 23 and is 6'4» and 210 defensive LD blue liner. Played for Knoblauch in Hartford»
- Jim Matheson

Oilers analyst Jonathan Willis also agrees that Robertson stands out from the pack on waivers today as a quality young player worth a flyer. According to Willis, the scouting report on Robertson is that he isn't offensively inclined, but does have the ability to move the puck and be a two-way player. He's also 6'4 and 210 pounds, which can be an asset in clearing the net front.

»Robertson stands out to me, too. He hasn't shown as much offence as you'd like to see in the AHL but he's always been regarded as a well-rounded defender capable of making passes.»
- Jonathan Willis

The Oilers realized they made a mistake with the Josh Brown signing and sent him down on waivers today. While they probably will sign Travis Dermott as a direct replacement, perhaps the Oilers see a need to have a large physical defenceman in the mix for depth. When there's a few reporters chatting about a possibility, it's fair to think the Oilers could be considering Robertson too.

Robertson can bring that element of size. as well as being an improvement on making plays to get the forwards the puck - and on top of all that, he's a local kid. If the Oilers have room and see a need for a defenceman of his type, perhaps they made a claim on him.