Edmonton Oilers recall two, place three on injured reserve

The Edmonton Oilers made a slew of moves Thursday afternoon.

The club recalled defencemen Markus Niemelainen and Philip Broberg from the AHL’s Bakersfield Condors while placing Kyle Turris and Zack Kassian on the long-term injured reserve. Duncan Keith was also placed on the injured reserve.

Earlier in the day, Oilers GM Ken Holland said Kassian suffered a fractured jaw after being struck by a puck Wednesday against the Chicago Blackhawks. Keith was also injured in the game when he crashed hard into the boards. He is in concussion protocol, while he also “banged up” his upper body.

Turris is believed to be dealing with a back issue.

The biggest news of the day, of course, was that the club fired head coach Dave Tippett and assistant coach Jim Playfair, while naming Jay Woodcroft interim head coach and Dave Manson an assistant coach. The latter two have spent the last four years with the AHL’s Bakersfield Condors, where they have put in some impressive work. 

Woodcroft, Manson and the newly signed Brad Malone were all on their way to Edmonton Thursday afternoon with a meeting expected to take place between the Oilers coaching staff and Holland late in the night.

The Oilers take on the New York Islanders in Edmonton Friday night.