In a recent development, the Edmonton Oilers have made some roster moves, and it's got the hockey world buzzing! The NHL waiver wire has seen two Oilers players, Andrew Mangiapane and Alec Regula, go unclaimed, opening up an intriguing path for the team's future.
Both players will now head to the AHL's Bakersfield Condors, a necessary step before any potential recall. But here's where it gets controversial: Mangiapane's and Regula's performances haven't quite met expectations, leading to their waiver journey.
Mangiapane, signed to a $3.6 million AAV deal, has seen a dip in his goal-scoring prowess, with just 7 goals this season compared to his impressive 35-goal campaign in 2021-22. His 14 points in 52 games are also a far cry from his 28-point season with the Capitals last year. Despite these numbers, his production still outshines some of the Oilers' other bottom-six forwards.
Regula, on the other hand, has appeared in 29 games for the Oilers this season but has struggled to make a consistent impact. With three assists to his name, he was recently loaned to the Condors for conditioning, a move that suggests the team is looking to get him back on track.
And this is the part most people miss: the Oilers are expected to recall forwards Josh Samanski and Isaac Howard from the Condors. Samanski, who made his NHL debut earlier this season, has been a standout player with the Condors, scoring 8 goals and 31 points in 44 games. Howard, in his second recall with the Oilers this season, has also impressed, notching 14 goals and 32 points in just 30 games with the Condors.
With the Oilers maximizing their cap space and the potential trade of Mangiapane looming, these recalls could be a strategic move to bolster the team's depth. The Oilers' schedule continues with a home game against the Ottawa Senators on Tuesday, followed by a Friday night clash with the Carolina Hurricanes and a five-game road trip starting Sunday against the Vegas Golden Knights.
So, what do you think? Are these roster moves a sign of things to come for the Oilers? Will we see more trades and recalls as the season progresses? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below! We'd love to hear your predictions and insights on the future of the Edmonton Oilers.
