Oilers make surprise roster move, one player could be out of lineup

Just hours before puck drop for game one of the playoffs, the Edmonton Oilers made one more roster move that's surprised everyone - Philip Broberg has been recalled from AHL Bakersfield.

It was assumed the Oilers had finalized their playoff roster at this point, especially after today's recall of Ryan Fanti from the ECHL as the team's third goalie. Broberg got some time with the Oilers in the last few games of the season, but didn't impress that much, and surely didn't command a playoff roster spot. There's no salary cap in the playoffs either, so this means the Oilers could be calling up Broberg with the intention to play.




Broberg's had an incredible season with the Bakersfield Condors this year, scoring 5 goals and 38 points in 49 games. He's become an integral part of the team, and the organization would like for him to see it through with a run for the Calder Cup. If they're calling up Broberg, it might really mean that they need him in the lineup. A defenceman questionable in the lineup with an injury or illness would explain the Broberg call up.

It seems unlikely at this point that he'll play in tonight's game, given that he last played for the Condors on Saturday night and he may not even be in Edmonton. Still, it's extremely interesting to see them make this move, and it may be something to watch for game 2 in the series.