How An Injury Made Edmonton Oiler's Waiver Choices Far More Difficult

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Joshua Deeds
October 8, 2023 (4:04 PM)

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Edmonton Oilers announced today that they have waived 3 players: defenseman Ben Gleason, forward Lane Pederson, and forward Raphael Lavoie.

Because of the complicated situation with Raphael Lavoie, the team did not waive him by choice. In the event Lavoie was waived, it is without a doubt that a team like Montreal would claim him.

A quick update on the Oilers roster moves, how Niemelainen's injury altered the plan and what moves could happen tomorrow.

#Oilers roster moves

Forwards Raphael Lavoie & Lane Pederson & defenceman Ben Gleason have been placed on waivers.

Since Lavoie's season in the AHL was excellent and how well he's done in pre-season, he deserves a regular spot in the lineup.

Due to Markus Niemelainen, some complications arose: Injured players cannot be sent to the AHL, so because the Oilers needed a 21-man roster, Lavoie was sent down.

This is major gamble by Edm putting Lavoie on waivers. Montreal or team like SJ could claim him. They obviously felt he wasn't suited to fourth line with no PK or PP time and Erne when signed can be fourth liner

The #LetsGoOilers waiving Lavoie, Pederson, & Gleason could suggest Niemelainen is injured.
Injured players cannot be sent down. Since he's on a 1-way contract, his full cap hit counts against cap while injured (he does not qualify for Season Opening IR).

For now, Niemelainen is on IR and counting against the cap since he will be on the Oilers' opening-day roster.

It is possible that the Oilers will lose their best young prospect to waivers and possibly a future trade piece due to unforeseen circumstances.