Edmonton Oilers Updates: Russell, Gryba, Versteeg and Injuries
In less than 24 hours, the Edmonton Oilers made two simple transactions that have turned them into a different looking team. After trading Nail Yakupov to St. Louis, Edmonton signed Kris Russell to a one-year deal.
With new faces at Saturday’s morning skate, fans got insight into what Edmonton’s roster will look like.
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Puck Prose 15hEdmonton Oilers Sign Free Agent Defenseman Kris Russell
More headlines around FanSided:
20h - Edmonton Oilers Sign Kris Russell to One-Year Deal20h - Edmonton Oilers Trade Nail Yakupov to St. Louis Blues21h - Edmonton Oilers F Nail Yakupov Traded to St. Louis Blues1 d - Edmonton Oilers: Tyler Pitlick Deserves a Roster Spot1 d - Edmonton Oilers Assign Griffin Reinhart to Condors, Cut Roster to 29More News at Oil On Whyte
To start Friday, General Manager Peter Chiarelli provided more information regarding the Yakupov trade. Not only did he discuss the deal, but the decision to part ways with the Russian winger.
“We decided Nail deserved a fresh start,” Chiarelli told the media Saturday. “We told him he’s a good kid, but it just didn’t work out here.”
Following the Yakupov trade, the Oilers signed Kris Russell, who reported to Edmonton immediately. He will wear number four with the OIlers. Russell joined the team at the morning skate on a pairing with Andrej Sekera.
The two left-handed blueliners took turns on the right side, and that seems to be Edmonton’s plan going forward. Both can play the right side, but right now, Sekera remains on the left.
“I’m extremely happy,” Russell said of signing with Edmonton. “I think I have a lot to offer this team.”
In other news, Eric Gryba is “exploring” other options but remains with Edmonton on his PTO. The 28-year-old defenseman was competing for a roster spot, but the Russell signing complicates things. Not to mention, Matt Benning looks a lot stronger than he does, meaning Gryba is the odd man out.
There are no updates regarding Kris Versteeg’s PTO, though there’s no reason to expect he doesn’t make the team. Versteeg, who was out with injury, returned to practice Friday sporting a non-contact jersey.
Drake Caggiula suffered an apparent hip injury in Wednesday’s win, but appears to be okay. He has not skated since, but as per sources, he is not out long-term. Brandon Davidson also returned to practice, and appears fine after colliding with Tanner Pearson earlier this week.
We’ll keep you posted on more updates as they come out. The Oilers face off against the Canucks Saturday at 7 p.m. MT.
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