The Edmonton Oilers are now just eight days away from opening the 2016-17 season at home against the Calgary Flames. With just over a week to go the team’s roster is slowly coming into focus, with a pair of PTO’s pushing for roster spots and some established pieces going down with injuries.
The injuries haven’t hit the core of the roster, but some solid players find themselves on the mend right now. Let’s start on the blue-line, where Brandon Davidson took a needless hit to the head from Tanner Pearson on Sunday night in Vernon. NBC Sports is reporting that Pearson will have a hearing for the hit, which had Davidson down and out for a while.
The good news? Todd McLellan mentioned that Davidson is day-to-day, so it’s possible he is ready to go on opening night. I’d assume we don’t see Davidson again this preseason, but it’s nice to hear that any major injury was avoided. Although he’s only played one season in the NHL, Davidson is still a big part of Edmonton’s defense and it goes without saying they can’t really afford to lose him.
Iiro Pakarinen, however, was not as lucky. According to McLellan (via Jack Michaels) he will miss at least a month with an injury he suffered on Sunday night. Pakarinen wasn’t exactly having a strong camp, and this might hurt his NHL chances moving forward. A few bubble forwards are going to get longer looks now, and that isn’t good news for the Finn.
Patrick Maroon also finds himself on the self, but McLellan didn’t think this injury was severe and that Maroon should be back soon. My thoughts? I’d think opening night is the target for him. He’s not an impact player, but Maroon can play in the NHL and the Oilers need depth at the left wing position without Taylor Hall to drive things.
Maroon and Davidson seem to have minor injuries, and that’s great news for the Oilers. Pakarinen’s ailment, however, could end up costing him down the line should someone take advantage.
Better Late Than Never:
Tyler Pitlick was a second round pick of the Oilers in 2010, and was hailed as one of the organization’s top prospects upon selection. Pitlick, however, hasn’t been able to stay healthy during his pro career and seemingly turned into a draft bust. After not playing a single NHL game last season, I was surprised when Edmonton brought him back.
Pitlick has made the most of this latest opportunity, looking good in both practice and game action this preseason. With the injury to Iiro Pakarinen on Sunday night, there appears to be a path to the NHL roster for the man that once looked done as an Oiler.
If Pitlick finishes strong over the next week and stays healthy, I think Todd McLellan will keep him on the roster as the 13th or 14th forward.
Pitlick has already outlasted Jujhar Khaira and Taylor Beck, and with Pakarinen out of the way I think he’s truly on the cusp of finally being an NHL’er. To my eye, and I know they play different forward positions, Pitlick has also had a better camp than Anton Lander.
Many people have written Pitlick off, but I’m rooting for him and hoping that a player who has had so much bad luck in the past can make good on what looks like a great chance.
Cuts!:
The Oilers made a series of cuts, sending players out on Thursday, Saturday and yesterday. I’m a little surprised that Khaira was cut over the weekend. I thought he had a strong camp and was building off of his 15 game cameo last year. I feel confident in saying that we’ll see him again this year, but I was hoping for a longer look for him.
I think it’s bad news for David Musil that he was sent out so early. I don’t think he had a bad preseason, but he certainly didn’t do anything to really help his case moving forward. Sure looks like the writing is on the wall for him in Edmonton.
Monday’s cuts also weren’t surprising. Mark Fraser hung around longer than I suspected he would, while Jere Sallinen didn’t look ready for NHL hockey just yet. Must say, I’m disappointed in not being able to view Tyler Benson. For a player with his history to be hurt is a tough break. Hopefully he’s recovered and has a strong WHL season. He needs it.
Next up? I’d assume Griffin Reinhart, Matt Benning, and Anton Slepyshev are on chopping block. Reinhart simply hasn’t played well enough and the bonus issue will force him off the roster. Slepyshev is having a strong camp but I can’t see him beating out Caggiula at this time. Benning, to me, looks close but I’m not sure he’s ready just yet. AHL time is never a bad thing.
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
