Edmonton Oilers

Josh Archibald Deemed Healthy: Is He an Option for the Oilers?

Josh Archibald is quarantining in Edmonton after being given a clean bill of health. Is he an option to come back and play for the Oilers?

by
Jim Parsons
February 25, 2022

As per Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Sun, the Edmonton Oilers could be looking at getting a forward back, assuming the team deems him healthy enough to play and believes he could be a big enough difference-maker in a limited number of games. That player is Josh Archibald and it sounds like he’s been given a clean bill of health and is quarantining under the expectation he could play a few games in the NHL this season.

Matheson quotes Oilers’ GM Ken Holland who says, “He’s in Edmonton right now, quarantining, after driving up from Nebraska. He’s had many, many tests and been seen by three different doctors and he’s been given a clean, bill of health.” Archibald was diagnosed with myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart muscle. It wasn’t clear if he would return to the Oilers this season but the team has been acting as though they were going to be without the forward for the year. If they do get him back, in many ways, it’s like adding a player at the trade deadline.

Oilers Notebook: Josh Archibald is back with clean bill of health https://t.co/oMu2U67cNz
— Edmonton Journal (@edmontonjournal) February 25, 2022

Keep in mind, Archibald wouldn’t be up to speed, would need plenty of practice time and still reportedly hasn’t been vaccinated for COVID-19. All of those things will play a role in any decision the Oilers make. Matheson adds:

If he won’t get vaccinated, it’s a moot point, though. He can play games in Canada but with border/health/quarantine issues, travelling to the U.S. for games is likely out of the question. The Oilers have two of their 15 remaining road games in this country. In Calgary on March 7 and March 26. He can drive there.

What If He Decides to Get Vaccinated?

It’s not clear if Archibald is thinking about getting vaccinated. It would come as a surprise to many considering how anti-vax he was in previous statements. But, should he, the Oilers could certainly use him. He’s a strong depth forward who plays a physical style, he’s fast and can play on special teams, including the penalty kill where the Oilers could use some help.

Next: Canadiens Plan to Be Active in UFA Market This Summer