After signing two forwards for the AHL club earlier today, the Edmonton Oilers have added a defender and goaltender to the system. According to TSN’s Ryan Rishaug, the club has signed D Keegan Lowe to a one-year, two-way contract and goalie Eddie Pasquale to a one-year, two-way deal.
Lowe, as you have probably figured out by now, is the son of Kevin Lowe and played his junior hockey in Edmonton with the Oil Kings. The left-shot defender split last season between the Carolina and Montreal organizations, scoring 6-12-18 in 71 total AHL games split between Charlotte and St. John’s.
He’s played in two career NHL games, both coming during the 2015-16 season with Carolina.
Pasquale, meanwhile, spent last season with Grand Rapids in the AHL as the backup netminder to Jared Coreau. He appeared in 29 games going 15-9-2 with a .919 SV% and 2.43 GAA. The 26 year old has been a steady AHL netminder over the years, and should provide Edmonton some veteran cover in Bakersfield.
The Fits:
As is the case with Ty Rattie and Mitch Callahan, both Pasquale and Lowe are likely to be AHL players for the 2017-18 season. Lowe will replace both Jordan Oesterle and Mark Fraser as the veteran defender on the farm, and he could be a call-up option behind Dillon Simpson and Mark Fayne.
Pasquale will likely form a tandem with Nick Ellis in the net for Bakersfield, ensuring that the second-year man has some veteran help. This move also will allow Shane Starrett to start his pro career as the starter in the ECHL.
Scouting Reports:
Lowe:
| ASSETS: |
|---|
| The son of former NHL standout defender Kevin Lowe plays a similar, no-nonsense style behind the blueline. Limits mistakes and can be a physical presence. Owns a projectable frame for the big league. |
| FLAWS: |
| Lacks a bit of skill, so his offensive contributions are somewhat limited at the National Hockey League level. Is more of a depth player whose ice time needs to be monitored and restricted. |
| CAREER POTENTIAL: |
| Defensive depth defenseman. |
Pasquale:
| ASSETS: |
|---|
| Has outstanding size for the goaltending position (6-3, 215 pounds), and he usually plays big in his crease. Is capable of putting up excellent numbers at lower levels. |
| FLAWS: |
| Needs to continue to work on his agility and mobility in the crease area, since he can be beaten when forced to move side to side. Also needs to improve mentally. |
| CAREER POTENTIAL: |
| Big depth goaltender. |
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