Oilers finally getting a boost in between the pipes despite risky move on waivers

The risky move could pay off.

HockeyFeed
HockeyFeed
Published 3 years ago
Oilers finally getting a boost in between the pipes despite risky move on waivers
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The Edmonton Oilers got some good news and sent out the good vibes on Friday. 

The Canadian team placed veteran goalie Troy Grosenick on waivers Friday afternoo in anticipation of bringing goalie Mike Smith back onto the active roster, per team insider Mark Spectors: 

“Troy Grosenick has been placed on waivers by EDM. Mike Smith must be close to returning.”


While it is good news for the Oilers that Smith, who has yet to make his 2020-21 debut after missing all 12 games due to his undisclosed injury, is close to a return, David Staples of the Edmonton Journal believes it is a risky move to place Grosenick on the waiver wire. 

“It’s good to have Mike Smith back but I’m not sure why the Oilers have waived Troy Grosenick and now risk losing him to a waiver claim. Edmonton needs a veteran third-string goalie and they already lost one such player, Anton Forsberg, on waivers earlier this year. Why not waive some other player who won’t be in the line-up against Calgary? Why not waive James Neal or Kyle Turris, neither of whom stands any real chance of being claimed on waivers (due to their contracts)? I don’t get it. The safe bet would have been to continue to carry three goalies on the team’s 23 man active NHL roster.”

Grosenick’s only NHL appearances took place back in the 2014-15 season when he played two games for the San Jose Sharks. The Oilers claimed him  from the Los Angeles Kings after they placed him on waivers earlier this season.

It has been quite hard for the Oilers to keep a sense of safety in between the pipes. Staples surely wonder if the risky move will pay off and if Smith will be in top shape for the season. 

In other waiver news on Friday, the Winnipeg Jets placed forward Dominic Toninato on the wire.