Professional hockey is all about opportunity and that is exactly what has been given to Edmonton Oilers rookie Connor Clattenburg. The Oilers announced Friday that they had placed forward Noah Philp on long term injured reserve and recalled Clattenburg from the Bakersfield Condors.
Due to the Oilers getting banged up on their seven game roadtrip, they have had to roll out their lines in an 11-7 format (11 forwards, seven defencemen) instead of the usual 12-6. It is expected that Clattenburg will be slotted into the fourth line left wing slot for his NHL debut.
What a game it is to debut in as it is the first time these two teams have faced off since last year's Stanley Cup Finals. Currently both teams find themselves outside the NHL playoff picture at the quarter season mark.
As has been reported, there is an expectation that the game will be filled with scrums and shenanigans given the rivalry that has formed between the Oilers and Panthers from meeting in back-to-back Stanley Cup Finals'.
Saturday expected to be a grudge match
Speaking on his 32 Thoughts Podcast, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman said “The game on Saturday is big. Not only that the Oilers have lost there twice, it brings back a lot of bad memories," which would be enough for this to be a significant game on the 2025-26 season calendar. However, it was a lot of the extra things that happened.
"the Oilers as an organization were not happy with some of the post-celebration commentary from the Panthers,” Friedman added “The Panthers, they really rubbed that second one in, they really did.”
It is likely for this reason that the Oilers opted to insert Clattenburg who through 15 games with the Oilers American Hockey League affiliate, the Bakersfield Condors, has one goal and one assist but 59 penalty minutes.
The winger won over many fans for his rugged play during the Oilers rookie camp and preseason action. He is sure to make his presence known on Saturday, unafraid to throw the body and drop the gloves if the situation calls for it.
Players to watch
Connor Clattenburg
Of course, rookie Clattenburg making his debut is definitely a player to watch in this game. As stated before, he should be able to have an impact on the game even if he does not register a point in his first career NHL game.
Stuart Skinner
Same as every other game, the Oilers goaltenders are going to draw eyes, even if it is in a 'can't look away from disaster' sort of way. They have all the attention due to the fans backlash and the fact that it is basically an open secret that the Oilers are pursuing other options in net. Stuart Skinner enters the night with an .881 save percentage on the season and a 7-6-3 record.
Trent Frederic
For similar reasons to Clattenburg, Trent Frederic is sure to generate plenty of eyes. He is a forward capable of using his body to wreak havoc on opponents and battle hard. He also scored the opening goal against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Thursday night, just his second of the entire season and of his Oilers' career.