Josh Winquist may return to action tonight for the Bakersfield Condors. Reports have several forwards suddenly ready to go and that may mean some prospects feel the squeeze.

Back in the old days, guys like Klinkhammer would be called ‘good, honest players’ and that remains true. Suspect the Oilers wanted a little more offense from their fourth-line winger (Klinkhammer has averaged 9.4 goals per 82 games in a 192-game NHL career) and with Kassian up someone had to face the music. He is 29, and it is possible that his final NHL game has been played, but I would not count him out.

Pitlick has been soundly defeated by the injury bug since turning pro and this season he has been in an AHL game only seven times. If Benning is going to trade for him, he has to stay healthy.

Interesting position for Winquist tonight, the young man was very productive before injury and has a chance to earn an NHL contract if he can shine in the second half. Bob Green may have found a gem here, but like Pitlick, he needs to stay healthy.

I don’t know much about Valley Fever but the Mayo Clinic scared the hell out of me.

The defense has a new member too, Ben Betker who has been playing in the ECHL and is now deemed ready. Edmonton has a bunch of rookie prospects in the minors, who isn’t playing tonight?

Something to watch, these kids need to play. Loiseau and Chase are better off in Norfolk getting playing time. Game starts at 8pm Edmonton time, updates at TheAHL.com. 

(Christoffer photo by Mark Williams).