The Edmonton Oilers have announced that forward Dylan Holloway has been sent to the Bakersfield Condors, the team's AHL affiliate. The move comes after Holloway had been sidelined since November 13th, and the Oilers wanted to ensure that he was fully healthy and ready to return to the ice.
🔁 #Oilers roster move 🔁
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) January 3, 2024
Dylan Holloway has been activated from long-term injured reserve (LTIR) & loaned to the @Condors.#LetsGoOilers pic.twitter.com/XxkJElczDC
Holloway, who was drafted 14th overall by the Oilers in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft, had been having a solid start to the season. In 14 games with the Oilers this season, the 22-year-old recorded one goal and is a -3, the -3 is impressive as he hasn’t been in the lineup since the Oilers started to win.
The Oilers are hoping that the time in Bakersfield will help Holloway continue to develop his game, build some confidence and get back up to speed after the injury. The Condors, currently sitting in eighth place in the Pacific Division, will provide a competitive environment for Holloway to hone his skills and hopefully build up some moment for when he is eventually called back to the NHL.
The main reason I believe that Holloway was sent down to Bakersfield was due to the fact the Edmonton Oilers are playing so well right now. All the lines are firing, you aren’t going to break up either McDavid’s or Draisaitl’s line. The only place he could slide in is on the third line as either center or on the wing opposite of Kane. There is no rush which is why I think they sent him to the AHL.
The Oilers and their fans still have high hopes for Holloway, who was considered one of the top prospects in the 2020 draft class. With his combination of size, speed, and skill, he has the potential to become a key piece of the team's future. However, with the way the Oilers are playing right now, there is no need to push him back in the NHL lineup.