Edmonton Oilers appear to make surprising last minute cut from opening night roster
Photo credit: Edmonton Oilers Raw
The Edmonton Oilers have made a last minute cut from their roster by sending down Ike Howard to the AHL.
The Oilers made a roster move yesterday to send down Howard and David Tomasek for cap reasons, but both were expected to be called back up to the NHL. However, only Tomasek has been brought back.
Edmonton Oilers leaving Ike Howard in AHL, appears to be last minute cut from roster
The Oilers officially announced the roster move to cut Howard this afternoon, just one day before opening night. In Howard's place, depth forward James Hamblin will remain with the team.
UPDATE: Oilers insider Jason Gregor has revealed that due to new NHL rules, Hamblin could not be sent down to the AHL today. It could still be possible for Howard to be called up and active for Game 1.
The Oilers traded for Ike Howard this offseason, a 21 year old blue-chip offensive prospect considered to be very close to NHL-ready. He had a slow start in the preseason and ramped up as camp went on, but concerns remain about his physical play and defensive awareness.
Howard might need some time in the AHL to refine his game at the professional level before being called up to the Oilers.
To this point he's only played College hockey, so the development time with the Condors could be instrumental. While it's tough to see him go now, Howard will be back later this season as a better player - just like Savoie's development last year.
Oilers reveal lineup at final practice before regular season
Coach Knoblauch was deploying Howard on the 4th line late in preseason, and Curtis Lazar has now taken that position.
Perhaps the Oilers felt it'd be better for Howard's development to play 1st line AHL minutes than 4th line in Edmonton.
It's surpassing to see the Oilers cut Howard as their final roster cut, but the lineup is now set in stone for opening night tomorrow against the Calgary Flames.
| POLL | ||
OCTOBRE 7 | 616 ANSWERS Edmonton Oilers appear to make surprising last minute cut from opening night roster Are you surprised to see Howard cut by the Oilers? | ||
| Yes | 175 | 28.4 % |
| No, he needs more time | 441 | 71.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
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