Edmonton Oilers sign another forward to professional tryout contract

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Liam McCormick
September 19, 2024 (12:06)

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The Edmonton Oilers began their on-ice training camp this morning, and one new face quietly showed up for practice.

According to reports from Jason Gregor, the Oilers have signed centreman Jasper Weatherby to a professional tryout contract.

Weatherby was drafted in the fourth round by the San Jose Sharks in 2018, and has since spent most of his career in the AHL. Now 26 years old, he did appear in 50 games for the Sharks in 2021-22, scoring just 5 goals and 11 points. In 66 AHL games last year, Weatherby scored 12 goals and 25 points.

The Oilers also announced the signing of veteran forward Mike Hoffman to a tryout yesterday. Signing two forwards to tryout contracts may come as a surprise considering the Oilers depth up front, but clearly, the front office wants to increase competition in training camp and throughout the year.

Currently, the Oilers fourth line projects to include Derek Ryan, Corey Perry, and Vasily Podkolzin. Two forwards on the line are pushing 40 years old, and that could be a place where the Oilers try to inject some youth and speed. Raphael Lavoie, Noah Philp, Lane Pederson, and now two forwards on a PTO will be battling to earn some games in training camp. It's never a bad move to have more internal competition at training camp!