Edmonton Oilers make more cuts
The Edmonton Oilers have trimmed their line-up once again, sending eight players to either the minors or through waivers.
Linus Omark and Chris Vande Velde were sent straight to the club’s American Hockey League affilate the Oklahoma City Barons, while Liam Reddox, Ryan O’Marra, Alexandre Giroux and Ben Ondrus must pass through waivers before they can join the farm team.
Avoiding the cuts were the Oilers three prize prospects, Jordan Eberle, Taylor Hall and Magnus Paajarvi. In addition, the club still has not decided who will start the season backing up starting goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin. Edmonton’s brass is still debating
between youngsters Devan Dubnyk and Jeff Deslauriers.
Edmonton’s head coach Tom Renney spoke about the decision to keep three goaltenders for the time being, saying. “…I’ve had so little dialogue on the goaltenders. As a group, we decided today we didn’t have to make a decision, so let’s not. Let’s get the other
[cuts] out of the way.”
Meanwhile, the club was expected to send down Vande Velde, but the decision to place Omark in the AHL took many by surprise. The youngster looked strong throughout the pre-season and seemed like he would be able to stick with the team. Nevertheless, he will
start the season in the AHL and earn a little more ice-time, and may end up getting a call-up this season.
Of the players passing through waivers, the most surprising cut was Liam Reddox, who was being considered for a spot on the squad’s fourth line. Reddox is capable of playing all three of the forward positions. A skill, which many thought, would keep him with
the club until opening night.
Edmonton has not finished making their cuts, as they will still need to drop a goaltender, a defenceman and a forward before their season begins on October 7 against the Calgary Flames.
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