Oilers Decision on Claiming Defender Ty Smith on Waivers Revealed
The Edmonton Oilers have passed on the opportunity to pick up Ty Smith on waivers from the Carolina Hurricanes, as the 24 year old Albertan defender is heading to the AHL.
The Hurricanes placed Smith on waivers yesterday, and the Oilers were instantly linked to the former first round draft pick.
Edmonton Oilers Pass on Acquiring Ty Smith For Free on Waivers
No other team decided to place a claim on Smith, including the Oilers who perhaps could've taken a chance on the young defenceman. The Hurricanes revealed he cleared waivers today.
Ty Smith was selected 17th overall by the New Jersey Devils in the 2018 draft, and he quickly made the NHL by the 2020-21 season.
He's played 131 NHL games now with the New Jersey Devils, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Carolina Hurricanes. Smith is still relatively young, and jumping between 6 professional teams couldn't have helped his development.
Considered an offensive defender, Smith has shown some impressive production including producing almost half a point per game in his rookie year - but there are significant defensive concerns.
Should the Oilers Have Claimed Ty Smith on Waivers?
Oilers analyst Bruce Curlock was among one of many that suggested Edmonton place a claim on Ty Smith.
Edmonton currently has an extra defenceman on the roster in Josh Brown, so a roster move could've easily been made.
The Oilers passing on Smith indicates they're more comfortable with their veteran depth defence options, and maybe players with stronger defensive acumen. Also, they've got Alec Regula coming back soon.
The Oilers will surely make a more impactful defensive move via trade later this season, hopefully giving them the extra boost needed in the playoffs - that definitely wasn't going to come from Ty Smith.
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