Oilers analyst names 2 roster cuts incoming when injured players return
The Edmonton Oilers are finally beginning to hit their stride, and they'll be better once fully healthy - but they may also lose some quality forward depth.
The Oilers have needed to make some roster cuts all season, but those decisions have been delayed by a string of injuries. However, now that 2 injured forwards are nearing being activated from LTIR, the Oilers will have some tough calls.
Oilers will need to cut 2 forwards when activating players off LTIR
Currently the Oilers have Noah Philp and Kasperi Kapanen on LTIR. Philp is expected to make his return within the next week, while Kapanen will be closer to the holiday break. Jack Roslovic and Jake Walman aren't on LTIR, but their returns will certainly impact the lineup.
According to Oilers analyst Allan Mitchell, the most likely players to see their jobs cut will be Noah Philp and Curtis Lazar.
Curtis Lazar is playing well with Philp out of the lineup and jobs are scarce this time of year. If we make it through December, with Philp as the No. 4 center, I'd be surprised.
If Lazar loses that spot, it might be to Adam Henrique when Nuge moves off the top line (Jack Roslovic return). That doesn't even factor in that Mattias Janmark sometimes does his work in the middle.
- Allan Mitchell
If Lazar loses that spot, it might be to Adam Henrique when Nuge moves off the top line (Jack Roslovic return). That doesn't even factor in that Mattias Janmark sometimes does his work in the middle.
- Allan Mitchell
The Oilers will have to waive at least one player, if not more, to make room for their full healthy roster. Roslovic playing on the first line will bump someone down, Kapanen will take a middle-six spot, and Jake Walman will bump a player out of the lineup.
Perhaps the player that's most likely be waived or traded is David Tomasek, who's been a frequent healthy scratch lately. That could help the team retain some of their key 4th line centers like Philp or Lazar - both of which would probably be claimed on waivers.
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DECEMBRE 9 | 670 ANSWERS Oilers analyst names 2 roster cuts incoming when injured players return Do you think Tomasek will be cut from the Oilers roster? | ||
| Yes | 409 | 61 % |
| No | 261 | 39 % |
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