NHL analysts update Oilers expected roster moves after injury news
Photo credit: Edmonton Oilers Raw
The Edmonton Oilers are expected to make a few more roster moves before submitting their cap-compliant roster for the regular season.
However, their moves will likely be changed by the injury news for Jake Walman and Mattias Janmark who are both unlikely to play in Game 1. Now, the Oilers could have a little bit more flexibility to start the year.
NHL experts reveal Oilers likely roster moves before opening night
According to experts at PuckPedia, the Oilers optional roster moves to gain the most cap flexibility will involve sending down David Tomasek and Ike Howard temporarily, while placing Janmark and Hyman on IR.
Tomasek and Howard would be sent down only because they don't require waivers, and they would be back in time to play in Game 1 for the Oilers.
While having these extra players around now is a luxury for injury insurance, the Oilers will need to make some tough roster decisions when Janmark, Hyman, and Walman return.
When the Oilers are healthy, one more player will need to be sent down to the AHL to get under the roster limit and accrue cap space. The most likely candidates are Mattias Janmark, Curtis Lazar, Ty Emberson, and Troy Stecher.
Of that group, insiders have previously speculated Janmark could hit waivers. That would only be possible once he's healthy in a couple weeks - and it's also possible another player is waived or traded.
The Oilers will be set and relatively close to full strength to open a Cup-or-Bust season. Every game, even the opening stretch, will be critical for the Oilers' success.
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