There was a lot of news about the Edmonton Oilers on Monday as they took to the ice for practice, and several faces showed up. The team also made some roster moves, bringing a rookie back to the AHL. Spencer Stastney discussed in front of his former team, and Kasperi Kapanen will return the line-up on Tuesday evening.
Jake Walman finally back on the ice
I spoke with Jake Walman today after he was on the ice for practice. Head coach Kris Knoblauch confirmed he is not ready to return yet, but will be gone in a week, possibly ready when the Oilers do their back-to-back.
His bone has finally healed from the fracture and he just needs the doctor’s permission to play games. He could be in the lineup when Edmonton takes on Chicago or Nashville.
The Edmonton Oilers have loaned Quinn Hutson back to the AHL after a game in which he played on a line with Ike Howard and Matt Savoie. Hutson was an extra at practice this week, so it was likely he would be watching from the press box. The Oilers logically send him back where he can continue to play big minutes, knowing he wouldn’t get top six minutes with the NHL club.
This may not be the last fans see of Hutson this season. And to say the least, he will have a spot in the lineup next year, just like Savoie did this year.
Kapanen ready to return to game action
Kasperi Kapanen was active again in the regular rotation during the training sessions on Sunday and Monday. He skated on a par with Leon Draisaitl and Vasily Podkolzin. The Oilers hope he will bring energy and physicality to that second line, with Jack Roslovic moving to the wing to provide some offensive pop to the third line.
Spencer Stastney ready for the old team
“This is going to be a special one,” defenseman Spencer Stastney said Tuesday as he suited up for his old team, the Nashville Predators. The Oilers host the Predators tomorrow night. He said he remains close with his old teammates and is ready for a fun game.
Stastney says the Preds are playing better, but the Oilers need this game to get back on the winning track.
The Oilers have reportedly spoken with the Anaheim Ducks, Detroit Red Wings and Winnipeg Jets about trading Andrew Mangiapane in exchange for a two-way deal.
Anaheim and Detroit seem unlikely given their deep groups, although speculative options such as Ross Johnston, Mason Appleton or Elmer Söderblom have been mentioned. Winnipeg stands out as the most logical partner, as the struggling Jets are actively looking to score and have several two-way players that could interest the Oilers.
Insiders Darren Dreger and Pierre LeBrun both suggest Winnipeg is the most likely destination, while Elliotte Friedman dismissed the idea of Mangiapane going to the Ducks for Ryan Strome.
Next: Why Drastic Oilers’ line shift isn’t the answer yet
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