Nation Sites
The Nation Network
OilersNation has no direct affiliation to the Edmonton Oilers, Oilers Entertainment Group, NHL, or NHLPA
Edmonton Oilers activate Mike Smith, assign Stuart Skinner to AHL

Photo credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
By Zach Laing
Feb 7, 2021, 17:07 ESTUpdated: Feb 7, 2021, 17:14 EST
The Edmonton Oilers have made the news we all expected official in activating Mike Smith from the long-term injured reserve Sunday afternoon.
In a coinciding move, the team also assigned goaltender Stuart Skinner to the AHL’s Bakersfield Condors.
Smith, 38, was injured just before the start of the season and has yet to see any game action.
Skinner, meanwhile, played in one game for the Oilers securing his first win in an 8-5 victory over the Ottawa Senators. The move means the Oilers currently don’t have a third goaltender on their roster, or their taxi squad.
Edmonton had placed goaltender Troy Grosenick on waivers Friday and he was re-claimed by the LA Kings on Saturday.
There’s been lots of content today written about the team’s goaltending:
- Cam Lewis – The Benefit of Mike Smith’s Return
- Robin Brownlee – Need a Save There
- Zach Laing – The Day After: Big questions in the crease
Zach Laing is the Nation Network’s news director and senior columnist. He can be followed on Twitter at @zjlaing, or reached by email at zach@oilersnation.com.
Breaking News
- Oilers injury update: Trent Frederic and Colton Dach are ‘very close’ to lineup return
- Friedman: Cassidy’s ‘frayed relationship’ with Golden Knights players began in Oilers’ playoff series
- Monday Musings: Oilers trending up, surprising playoff pushes and more
- Oilers Thoughts: Matt Savoie is soaring, meeting Ty Emberson’s former coach on the Nation Vacation, Oilers’ struggling power play, and more
- Monday Mailbag: What are Connor Murphy and Jason Dickinson bringing to the Oilers?
