Last yesterday afternoon, the Edmonton Oilers completed a transaction by recalling Jordan Oesterle from Bakersfield of the AHL. While it is the mobile defender’s second stint in the NHL this season, he has still yet to appear in an NHL game during the current campaign.
The #Oilers have recalled d-man Jordan Oesterle from the @Condors. pic.twitter.com/PAAafcr9UB
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) January 15, 2017
The move shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone, but it does raise a few eyebrows. Adam Larsson missed Saturday’s win over the Flames after he was hurt blocking a shot with his foot on Thursday against the Devils. While Larsson finished that game against New Jersey, he hasn’t skated since and wasn’t seen at the Oilers’ skills competition Sunday.
On Saturday night, Kris Russell blocked a shot with his hand and appeared to be in some serious pain. Luckily for Edmonton, after getting checked out, Russell was able to return to and finish the shootout victory.
That said, it’s pretty safe to assume that one of Larsson or Russell will be heading to the IR in short order. That, quite frankly, is not good news.
While the price paid to acquire him was certainly dear, Adam Larsson has been arguably the strongest Oiler defender in his own zone this season. He was playing his best hockey in the last few weeks, and his absence was very noticeable on Saturday. He’s a calming presence out on the ice and the Oilers can’t really afford to lose that.
As for Russell, he’s also been solid for the Oilers and has arguably been playing his best hockey as of late. Losing Russell, another solid veteran defender, for a period of time would certainly hurt the Oilers. Remember, the club missed him in early November when he went down.
Let’s hope that neither player is hurt too badly and that both will be back in the Oiler lineup sooner rather than later. The club will need all hands on deck, especially on defense, during this potential run to the playoffs.
Thoughts on Oesterle:
I was really impressed last season when Jordan Oesterle came up and played in 17 games for the Oilers, registering five assists. Oesterle showed some impressive speed, good puck moving ability and an improving defensive game. When the season ended early last April, I thought for sure he was knocking on the door of the NHL.
Unfortunately, things haven’t exactly worked out for the rearguard this year. He had a tough camp, was sent out early, and ended up getting hurt. It took him, from what I understand, a little while to get his legs under him again in the AHL this season. Since getting up to speed, however, Oesterle has been sensational.
In 18 games with the Condors this season, Oesterle has 3-8-11 and is picking up steam as of late. He’s also been the main source of offense on the blueline since Joey LaLeggia moved up to forward. All in all, it’s been a good last two months for the third year pro.
Oesterle fits what the Oilers want in a few different ways. He’s mobile, can move the puck and has some ability on the powerplay. Should Oesterle see some games during this recall, he’ll provide something to the Oilers that the club doesn’t have in abundance. It’s just too bad that it’ll be at the expense of Larsson or Russel it appears.
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