Edmonton Oilers
Oilers News and Rumors Update: Bear, McDavid, Grosenick, Kassian, RNH, More
There are some worthy news and rumors notes when it comes to the Edmonton Oilers prior to Saturday’s matchup with the Calgary Flames.
There’s plenty of news surrounding the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday. As the team gets set for a road trip that will start with the Battle of Alberta and the Calgary Flames, there is injury news on Ethan Bear, waiver wire news on goaltender Troy Grosenick, and questions surrounding Connor McDavid and other players on hot streaks. Plus, will there be rough stuff since these two teams don’t like each other all that much?
Related: Kings Claim Troy Grosenick Off Waivers
The Oilers will be heading into their Battle of Alberta matchup with the Flames on Saturday without the services of one of their better, young defensemen. As per head coach Dave Tippett, Ethan Bear will not slot into the lineup and the team hasn’t determined if it will go with six or seven defensemen.
This doesn’t sound like a healthy scratch situation but there’s not much more to go on. Bear has been dealing with a bit of a nagging injury since taking an awkward hit a week ago and missed two games as a result. He was scratched earlier this season but this issue seems to have more to do with the fact he can’t go, versus this being a coach’s decision.
Bear has played in nine games this season and has two assists. Evan Bouchard made his season debut Tuesday and figures to stay in the lineup after posting an assist and four shots on net over 16:56 of ice time.
We’ll provide more news on the severity of the injury as it becomes available. The fact he was placed on IR, means he will miss games tonight’s game, the two matchups with Ottawa on Monday and Wednesday, and Montreal next Thursday.
As for other roster moves, Jujhar Khaira was recalled from Taxi Squad as was Stuart Skinner.
Can McDavid Make It Seven Straight Games?
Will Connor McDavid make it seven straight games with multiple points? The superstar is on an absolute tear, leading the NHL in points with 24. This is Edmonton’s first game against the Flames this season so it’s expected he’ll be up for the challenge.
He’s not the only player to be on a current streak. Tyson Barrie became the first Oilers defenseman with multiple points in 3+ consecutive games since Tom Gilbert from April 3-10, 2010 (1-8—9 in 4 GP).
Why Did the Oilers Waive Grosenick?
Edmonton lost goaltender Troy Grosenick on waivers today and some fans are wondering why the team would waive him with pretty good odds he’d be claimed. Jonathan Willis of The Athletic points out, “More than anything, I’d suggest this reflects the level of commitment Edmonton feels to William Lagesson, who could have been waived to make room for Grosenick on the 23-man roster.”
Willis also notes that the Oilers could have waived a forward to keep Grosenick on the roster but said that wouldn’t have helped. Unless the team goes below 12 forwards on the 23-man roster, the other 11 spots go to nine defensemen — top seven plus Lagesson and Bouchard with just two goalies.
Related: Maple Leafs Have Interest in Trading For Flames’ F Sam Bennett
Zack Kassian Ready to Go
When asked for his thoughts on tonight’s game against the Flames, forward Zack Kassian said, “It’s going to be fun hockey. We don’t like them, they don’t like us.”
There’s a ton of buzz that this game will lead into some rough stuff, but the Oilers have yet to have a player get into a fight this season and only the Flames’ Matthew Tkachuk has gotten into a scrap. Will that change on Saturday as the emotions ramp up?
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins was asked about another potential fight with Sean Monahan and just shook his head at reporter Jim Matheson and said, “What do you want me to say Jim…”
Both teams need wins as the Oilers aim to get above .500 for the first time in the season and the Flames just wound up below it. Neither team is likely to sacrifice two points just to settle a score.
Next: Canadiens News & Rumors: Danault, Weber, Romanov, Price & More
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