We are about to enter a period of transition for the Oilers roster. Pretty sure. A new coach in Mike Babcock, aging veterans and youngsters pushing. It happens every year but there are players on the roster who are vulnerable. Let’s start with the younger group.
I wrote about the options for Edmonton that day almost 11 years ago. I think it’s a good reminder about what can happen when a new coach (in this case Todd McLellan back in 2015) looks at a roster and evaluates individuals. There’s a mile of sway. Every time
- Brandon Davidson waivers. It’s a quick, easy move and even though it risks losing him this is the day to do it because there could be three teams worth of players on the wire.
- Griffin Reinhart. It gives the Oilers a chance to watch GR develop a little more in the minors and as we’ve talked there are some cap bonus issues that would be burned off with time in the AHL.
- Andrew Ference. This would require Ference to agree to a move and Edmonton would have to swallow (likely) half the contract and add a painful sweetener but that’s probably their top option. The problem is finding a dance partner.
- Anton Slepyshev could be sent down, it’s probably the most logical move of the bunch.
- Leon Draisaitl could be sent down, there are some bonus opportunities that could burn just like GR.
- Matt Hendricks hurt his hand, could go on IR.
- Luke Gazdic waivers.
- Rob Klinkhammer waivers.
The opening night roster shows Brandon Davidson made the roster but was a healthy scratch, along with veterans Andrew Ference and Rob Klinkhammer. Griffin Reinhart was in the lineup, but McLellan wasn’t thrilled with the blue (specifically Mark Fayne, who would have a tough year). Anton Slepyshev, Luke Gazdic and Matt Hendricks were all in the lineup against St. Louis Blues. Leon would be back, soon.
We talked about this yesterday, but I wanted to further belabor the point. It seems to me that people are talking about making the roster/not making the roster, but this season’s Oilers are actually going to have players on the roster who don’t dress for games.
Edmonton can take a total of three players and park them in the pressbox. Opening night could be Tristan Jarry, Trent Frederic and Shakir Mukhamadullin. Or it could be Devon Levi, Ty Emberson and Ike Howard.
McLellan didn’t like Fayne’s boots, he didn’t like that Fayne wouldn’t stand up at the blue line (he was cheating to get back and move the puck) and had the boots issues with Griffin Reinhart, too. Brandon Davidson, unheralded and closer to a waiver drop, ate their lunch and McLellan eventually used Kris Russell in the role Fayne was found wanting.
This, ladies and gentlemen, is about to happen in Edmonton. I’m surprised so many of you think the Babcock Oilers are going to be identifcal to the Knoblauch Oilers. Babcock didn’t come here to develop Ike Howard, he came here to win a Stanley Cup. Hold on to your ass.
On the Lowdown today, we’ll chat about the Babcock Oilers, have a long look at the CFL games this week and ponder the mlb pennant chase. Noon to 2pm, Sports 1440 and You Tube.
