The Oilers VP of Player Development, Scott Howson, spoke to the media earlier today on the first day of rookie camp. He spoke about some of the up-and-coming rookies and what they have to offer in camp, as well as a couple injuries that are affecting the group. 

One of them was Ryan Mantha, who we know had suffered an eye injury in an AHL game last year. Mantha’s been having trouble with his eyesight and is out of the lineup for the foreseeable future. Another injury he spoke about was Ostap Safin. This came as a surprise to me as I don’t think many people knew he was injured. Howson explained how Safin had a hip flexor injury in the camp leading up to the Four Nations Cup at the end of July.

Scott Howson continued to say that Safin will be held out for the first 2-3 days of rookie camp, and will not skate in any of the competition portions of the camp. Safin is certainly an interesting prospect for the Oilers, and I’m really interested in watching him develop over the years. Although he is eligible to play in the AHL this year, as Jason Gregor mentioned this morning in his Rookie Camp Preview, Safin may go back down to the QMJHL this season. This hip flexor injury obviously doesn’t sound too good for Safin, and I really hope it won’t affect his regular season, wherever he plays. Howson is “hoping” he will be available for main camp, so only time will tell at this point in time.

You can watch the full Scott Howson interview here: