Multiple Changes To Oilers Roster Ahead of Final Preseason Game

Virtanen was given every opportunity to show well over a number of preseason games but he simply didn’t. It’s not that he was bad, but he needed to stand out and show that he could be a difference-maker against weaker competition. He was often unnoticeable and lacked a willingness to compete or a drive to take advantage of the opportunity he was being given.

Jason Demers has stuck around thus far, which suggests the Oilers are really considering a contract for the defenseman if they can figure out their cap situation.

Tyler Benson Injured, Will Miss Time

According to an update from Daniel Nugent-Bowman of The Athletic, “[Tyler] Benson watched today’s practice wearing a brace on his left knee.” He was hurt during a preseason game and reports from sources like Jason Gregor of TSN suggested the injury could force Benson to miss some time and go on LTIR. Nugent-Bowman adds, “Oilers coach Jay Woodcroft calls Tyler Benson’s status week to week.”

Benson was competing for a depth spot on the Oilers’ fourth line and actually looked pretty good in early action. Head coach Jay Woodcroft said, “He wants to get noticed. He’s doing whatever he can to get noticed.” The injury comes at a really inopportune time for the forward.

It’s also not ideal timing for the Oilers as it potentially affects the salary cap juggling they need to do ahead of the regular season.

Kailer Yamamoto is also banged up and didn’t take part in Oilers practice on Friday. He won’t play in their game against the Kraken, but should be ready for opening night.

Janmark and Samorukov Placed on Waivers

Both forward Mattias Janmark and defenseman Dmitri Samorukov were placed on waivers Friday for the purpose of assignment in the AHL. Janmark didn’t play poorly, but he didn’t show enough to take a spot away from someone like Derek Ryan — who with this news is likely on the opening night roster.

Meanwhile, Samorukov did show well during the preseason and garnered some attention. His making the team was a long shot at best, but this is good news for the Oilers who now know they have a real prospect in the defenseman and he could be ready for some NHL games this year in the event of injury.

This news also suggests that Ryan Murray has locked himself in a spot on the Oilers’ opening night roster.

Goaltender Calvin Pickard was placed on waivers on Thursday.