The Oilers are returning to full health.
It was announced on Wednesday afternoon that former first-round pick Dylan Holloway was activated off the long-term injured reserve and has been loaned to the American Hockey League Bakersfield Condors.
The 22-year-old left-wing/centre man has spent the entire 2023-24 season with the Edmonton Oilers, scoring a single goal in the 14 games he’s played before sustaining a knee injury after losing an edge and falling into the boards.
Holloway’s 2022-23 season was his first somewhat full season in the National Hockey League and was also his best, scoring three goals and nine points in 51 games. Furthermore, he had seven goals and 10 points in 12 American Hockey League games that season.
There’s certainly opportunity for Holloway on this Oilers roster. As it stands, Derek Ryan is their third line centre with Ryan McLeod’s promotion. Holloway himself may not move back to centre, but once the Warren Foegele-Leon Draisaitl-McLeod line runs out of steam, Holloway could slot in nicely on one of Draisaitl’s wings.
It’s too be seen if Holloway’s tenure in the American Hockey League will be a long one, or just a paper move until the Oilers could clear up some cap space. Per Puckpedia, the Oilers currently have a cap hit of just over $83.6 million, about $100,000 over the cap. To recall Dylan Holloway and his $925,000 contract to the main roster, some moves would have to be made.
The most obvious of which would be waiver Mattias Janmark. While he is a former 30-point player, the 31-year-old only has a goal and five points, three of which came in the same game on December 6, the last time he got a point. Janmark is making $1 million until the end of the season.
Edmonton’s other option is to waive Adam Erne, who is making $775,000. Erne has a goal and an assist in 18 games this season, and has spent more time in the press box than on the ice. Unlike Janmark, Erne has only killed less than five minutes on the penalty kill, while Janmark has killed more than 50 minutes.
Either way, it’ll be nice for the Oilers to insert some skill in the middle six. Right now is the best opportunity Holloway may ever get, especially if he’ll play alongside Draisaitl when returning.
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