Edmonton Oilers could lose up to 4 players with incoming roster crunch
Photo credit: Perry Nelson - Imagn Images
The Edmonton Oilers continue to face tough roster decisions early in the season, especially now that two forwards are close to returning to the lineup from their injuries.
Both Zach Hyman and Alec Regula will be back on the ice as early as November 1st, forcing head coach Kris Knoblauch to decide whether to demote, or outright trade players.
Oilers' first 10 games produce same number of points
With a record of 4-4-2 after its first ten games, Oilers are struggling to find consistency in its lineup, a task that will continue as the head coach firms-up its 23-man roster.
With the return of Hyman and Regula, defenseman Troy Stecher may very well be the one to be traded, or sent to Bakersfield. Edmonton has 22 of the 23 active roster spots filled. With two players returning, the team could go with 8 defenseman and 14 forwards, not both.
«When (Alec) Regula is healthy and Walman is coming back, they've got eight or nine guys (defenseman)," Elliotte Friedman said in his 32 Thoughts podcast, "including guys in the AHL. So I think Edmonton could be looking at that too.»
Ike Howard is also a possibility to be sent to the AHL. When Hyman returns, Ike's ice-time will drop considerably, which doesn't bode well for his development. Given his inconsistent play, he will need to see action in order to improve at the NHL level.
Mattias Janmark's status with the Oilers has been discussed at length this season. He's yet to play a game, which makes it difficult to package him in a trade, though it's not completely out of the question. Expect to see him with the Condors.
With Noah Philp's strong play of late, Curtis Lazar has been assigned to the press box. He signed a one-year deal in July 2025, and has been utilized as a fourth-line option, a role he will likely lose when Hyman returns in November.
The Oilers want to avoid placing waiver-exempt prospects like Noah Philp on waivers, where he would likely be claimed by another team. Trading a roster player such as Lazar would avoid that risk.
Ike Howard is also a possibility to be sent to the AHL. When Hyman returns, Ike's ice-time will drop considerably, which doesn't bode well for his development. Given his inconsistent play, he will need to see action in order to improve at the NHL level.
Mattias Janmark's status with the Oilers has been discussed at length this season. He's yet to play a game, which makes it difficult to package him in a trade, though it's not completely out of the question. Expect to see him with the Condors.
With Noah Philp's strong play of late, Curtis Lazar has been assigned to the press box. He signed a one-year deal in July 2025, and has been utilized as a fourth-line option, a role he will likely lose when Hyman returns in November.
The Oilers want to avoid placing waiver-exempt prospects like Noah Philp on waivers, where he would likely be claimed by another team. Trading a roster player such as Lazar would avoid that risk.
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