Oilers Reportedly Considering Healthy Scratching, Sending Down Two Veteran Forwards
The Edmonton Oilers have been off to a mediocre start this season, and in response they may be making changes with veteran forwards Corey Perry and Derek Ryan.
According to David Staples of the Edmonton Journal, the Oilers are considering placing Derek Ryan on waivers to go to the AHL, and scratching Corey Perry.
»Ryan and Perry are the two eldest Oilers forwards and they're no longer getting the job done as they once did If Kapanen replaces Perry just now, it would make sense to call up Philp to replace Ryan, and to bring up Caggiula as the 12 forward.»
- David Staples, The Edmonton Journal
- David Staples, The Edmonton Journal
The Oilers had the oldest roster in the league entering this season, and it's shown in their bottom six forwards - they've been very slow, and hard pressed to produce any offence.
Corey Perry could be kept on the roster, but shouldn't be playing every game at 39 years old at his current level of play. Derek Ryan would likely pass through waivers as well.
The Oilers have already made an admission that they need more speed in their forward group with the waiver claim of Kasperi Kapanen, and if they want to continue to shift that way, taking out the veterans will be the next step.
In the absence of Victor Arvidsson, the Oilers have been running with 11 forwards and 7 defenceman, increasing the ice time for the veterans.
Thats simply not a sustainable path to take with a few players over the age of 35, and it's starting to show in their play.
Staples suggests that the Oilers should call up Drake Caggiula or Noah Philp to inject some youth into the bottom six.
Philp was a standout prospect in training camp, but the Oilers wanted Philp to get more ice time in the AHL after coming out of retirement.
Noah Philp has had some significant playing time in the AHL now, and Drake Caggiula has reportedly been one of the Condors most consistent forwards all year. Both are deserving of the call up.
Just after this article was published, the Edmonton Oilers made a roster move to send Josh Brown to the AHL, but more could still be coming when Nurse returns from injury.
Edmonton has still struggled to separate themselves from the pack in the standings so far this year, and could be ready to make a change to adjust their strategy. Reducing ice time for the vets is a good start.
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