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Oilers lose another defenceman, place veteran on LTIR before facing St. Louis Blues
Photo credit: Imagn Images
The Edmonton Oilers got Connor McDavid back in the lineup before facing the St. Louis Blues, but will lose new defenceman Jake Walman as a last minute scratch for uncertain reasons.
Walman was acquired from the San Jose Sharks at the trade deadline and has been a great fit in the Oilers lineup, scoring 8 points in 15 games with his new team.
Edmonton Oilers lose Jake Walman, gain Connor McDavid before facing St. Louis Blues
As warmup unfolded, reporters saw that Jake Walman was absent from the group. There was no indication that Walman was dealing with any problems, but he has been officially listed as a scratch by the Oilers.
It was a strange and unexpected last minute absence for Walman, and certainly not according to plan for Edmonton.
With Walman's absence, the Oilers will be playing short one player on their roster and with only 5 defenceman. Walman is probably really dealing with an injury or illness - this isn't rest.
However, it's obviously great news that Connor McDavid will be back in the lineup. He may have even stepped in personally when he saw that both Nugent-Hopkins and Walman would be out.
Edmonton Oilers place John Klingberg on LTIR
In addition, the Oilers placed defenceman John Klingberg on LTIR moments before the game.
The Oilers signed the 32 year old Swedish veteran defender mid-season to a $1.7M contract, and it hasn't gone well for Edmonton. Klingberg has now played just 1 game since March 6th while out with injuries, and reportedly an infection as well.
Edmonton is heading into the playoffs battered and bruised. Their priority for the couple weeks of the season will only be getting healthy, and getting up to speed for Game 1.
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 9 | 676 ANSWERS Oilers lose another defenceman, place veteran on LTIR before facing St. Louis Blues Do you think the Oilers injuries will be a problem for the playoffs? | ||
| Yes | 439 | 64.9 % |
| No | 237 | 35.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
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