Roster moves involving current and former Edmonton Oilers
By Phil Gretzky
![Dec 21, 2022; Dallas, Texas, USA; Edmonton Oilers right wing Kailer Yamamoto (56) and left wing Warren Foegele (37) and defenseman Markus Niemelainen (80) and defenseman Evan Bouchard (2) celebrate after Foegele scores a goal against the Dallas Stars during the third period at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports Dec 21, 2022; Dallas, Texas, USA; Edmonton Oilers right wing Kailer Yamamoto (56) and left wing Warren Foegele (37) and defenseman Markus Niemelainen (80) and defenseman Evan Bouchard (2) celebrate after Foegele scores a goal against the Dallas Stars during the third period at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/6923fc8db916a35cbb08a770bf63557bff6b49be0032e73c045af333e1b7154b.jpg)
Zack Kassian
Remember this guy? By the time the Oilers had traded Zack Kassian to Arizona, he’d lost a step pretty hardcore. Over the offseason Kassian had the last year of his contract signed when he was an Oiler bought out by the Coyotes, and the best he was able to do was to sign a PTO with Anaheim.
Well, if you take a look at the same Edmonton Journal article referenced earlier that mentions Gagner and scroll down a bit more, you’ll see he was released from that PTO by the Ducks and is now looking for a new NHL home. With the miles on his body after 661 hard and physical NHL games, I wouldn’t expect him to resurface anywhere in the NHL anytime soon – his best bet is likely Europe or the AHL.
Speaking of other ex-Oilers, Brendan Perlini is playing for the Charlotte Checkers, who apparently are now Florida’s farm team. Last season’s PTO Jake Virtanen, is playing in the German pro leagues this season.
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Taylor Hall
Remember Taylor Hall? He was the first number one overall draft pick the Oilers had, and although he provided them with good power-forward play he was also injured an awful lot. During his time with the Oilers he only played one single solitary full season of NHL games, nut got close to that with 81 games played two seasons ago in Boston.
Well, in the offseason Boston traded Hall to Chicago, as the Hawks are looking to him to provide some veteran leadership to the newest first overall pick in Connor Bedard. Unfortunately for Hall, he is already injured for the Hawks in this very young season. I wouldn’t be surprised if he goes on LTIR at some point in the near future.
dark. Next. Recipe for success is playing McDavid and Draisaitl together
Anyway, Hall reminds me of Eric Lindros or Marion Gaborik – a fantastic player…..when he’s healthy. If his career has taught us anything, it’s that Hall is made of glass.