The Edmonton Oilers Have Called up 3 More Players From The Bakersfield Condors

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Skyler Walker
April 27, 2023 (8:10)

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The Edmonton Oilers have bolstered their playoff roster with some added depth, as per a recent team announcement. With their AHL affiliate, the Bakersfield Condors, eliminated from the Calder Cup Playoffs, the Oilers are now free to bring up as many extra players as they need. And they've chosen to recall defenseman Markus Niemelainen, defenseman Cam Dineen, and forward Brad Malone to join their NHL club as viable options for their playoff push.

At 6-foot-6, Niemelainen is a big, physical, defensive defenseman, who's played 23 NHL games this season. As a third-round pick for the Oilers in 2016, he's got 43 career NHL games under his belt. Niemelainen played 30 AHL games with Bakersfield this season, scoring seven points while fulfilling a shutdown defensive role for the team.

Dineen, on the other hand, was a third-round pick of the Arizona Coyotes in the 2016 NHL Draft, and was acquired by the Oilers with Nick Bjugstad at the trade deadline. At 24 years old, he's more of an offensive defenseman, having scored six goals and 47 points in 69 AHL games this season. Dineen did not make any appearances in the NHL during the 2022-23 season, but suited up for 34 games with the Coyotes in 2021-22, chipping in seven points, albeit showing some defensive deficiencies as well.

Finally, the Oilers have also called up veteran forward Brad Malone. At 33 years old, Malone has 217 games of NHL experience, having played ten games with the Oilers this season. He had 21 points in 41 AHL games with the Condors and is a big winger at 6-foot-2 and 217 pounds. He plays a physical style that could come in handy on a fourth line, should injuries occur down the line for the Oilers.

It's likely that this trio of players will make up the "black aces" group for the Oilers, skating and practicing with the team during the postseason, but unlikely to play any games. However, injuries and illnesses can happen during a long playoff run, so teams keep a handful of extra players around just in case. Niemelainen, Dineed, and Malone are the insurance policy for the Oilers, who will undoubtedly benefit from the added depth they bring.