Oilers Organization Suspends Forward Internally For Breaking Team Rules

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Liam McCormick
October 21, 2024 (4:38 PM)

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The Edmonton Oilers AHL affiliate, the Bakersfield Condors, have suspended Bryce Kindopp for failing to report to the ECHL.

The Condors put out a short statement on social media today announcing the suspension. Condors reporter Ryan Holt revealed the reason being his failure to report to the Fort Wayne Comets when he was re-assigned to them.

Kindopp is a 25 year old right winger, and a local kid of Lloydminster, Alberta. He went undrafted while playing with the WHL's Everett Silvertips before signing a contract with the Anaheim Ducks organization. Kindopp played one game with the Ducks in 2021-22, before them being sent back to the AHL.

The Bakersfield Condors signed Kindopp to an AHL contract last offseason, so to see it go south this fast is definitely disappointing to see. There's been no further details on the length of the suspension, but it seems likely that there is grounds for contract termination in this case.

Kindopp started in the AHL with some decent offensive results, with a career best year of 12 goals and 29 points in 67 games. The last two seasons though have been abysmal, only scoring 10 goals and 16 points in 104 games. Perhaps Kindopp is looking for another AHL deal, but with those numbers, it feels unlikely that his professional career will even continue.

Failing to report is an extremely serious offence, and it's rarely ever for a good reason. There may be some personal problems with Kindopp, or also the possibility he's refusing to play in the ECHL. Whichever the reason is may determine the team's next steps with Kindopp.

In the next few days, the Condors or the Oilers will likely release a further statement on their plans with Kindopp.