The Edmonton Oilers are poised for a flurry of roster moves as defenseman Alec Regula has been activated from injured reserve. This activation, coupled with the impending returns of forwards Zach Hyman and Mattias Janmark, necessitates a series of transactions to get the team under the 23-man roster limit and salary cap.
Speculation is swirling around potential departures, with veteran defenseman Troy Stecher's name frequently mentioned in trade rumors. Sportsnet's Mark Spector and other analysts anticipate a busy week for Oilers General Manager Ken Holland as he navigates the team's roster crunch. The Oilers are reportedly trying to find a "soft landing" for Stecher, aiming to trade him to a team where he'll have a good opportunity. Due to the Oilers' desire to ensure Stecher lands in a desirable situation, they may not receive a significant return in any potential trade.
Insider Frank Seravalli has also suggested that defenseman Ty Emberson could be a trade candidate. Despite recently signing an extension with the Oilers, Emberson might be a more attractive trade chip than Stecher, potentially yielding a better return. Seravalli believes Emberson is a "nice player" but not a "have-to-have player" for the Oilers, and that the team could find value for him on the trade market. Moving Emberson could also provide the Oilers with some much-needed cap relief, as they are currently carrying heavy contracts for stars like Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Evan Bouchard.
With Hyman's return on the horizon, decisions must be made regarding the Oilers' forward depth. Players like Ike Howard, David Tomasek, Matt Savoie, and Curtis Lazar could be affected. These players might be shopped in trades, placed on waivers, or reassigned to the AHL, depending on their waiver eligibility.
The Oilers have already made some minor moves, including placing Max Jones on waivers for the purpose of assignment to AHL Bakersfield. Other recent transactions include recalling and reassigning multiple players between Edmonton and Bakersfield. Cam Dineen, for example, was recently called up on an emergency basis.
These upcoming transactions aim to optimize the Oilers' roster as they strive to improve their performance. The team has struggled to consistently perform at the level expected of a Stanley Cup contender. The return of key players from injury and the subsequent roster adjustments are seen as crucial steps in turning the season around.
