Oilers recall pair of veteran forwards before end of regular season

The Oilers will have some extra depth on hand for their final couple of games of the season. The team announced Wednesday that they’ve recalled forwards Sam Gagner and Adam Erne from AHL Bakersfield.

Gagner had an extended PTO with Edmonton back in training camp but was converted to a full-season deal back at the end of October. Since then, he has split time between the Oilers and Condors. 

The 34-year-old has been reasonably productive in limited minutes with Edmonton, tallying five goals and five assists in 27 games while averaging a little over 10 minutes a night. He has fared better in the minors on a per-game basis, collecting three goals and six helpers in 15 contests.

As for Erne, he also signed in-season with the Oilers, inking a two-way deal back on Oct. 13. The 28-year-old has suited up 23 times for Edmonton so far but has just two points along with 67 hits while logging less than eight minutes a night. Meanwhile, in Bakersfield, Erne has six goals and six assists through 35 contests.

Both players are set to become unrestricted free agents in July and aren’t expected to be in the lineup Wednesday against Arizona. However, they could suit up on Thursday versus Colorado if the team decides to rest some forwards heading into the playoffs.