It’s safe to say that Edmonton’s offseason trade of Jordan Eberle to the Islanders for Ryan Strome hasn’t worked out as well as the Oilers had hoped. Eberle is off to a strong start with his new team, posting 21 points (12-9-21) in 28 games. However, Strome hasn’t fared anywhere near as well, collecting only 11 points (4-7-12) over that same stretch. He has found himself moved down the lineup at times and as Postmedia’s Jim Matheson notes, he could be out of the lineup entirely tonight against Montreal. He was in a rotation of wingers in practice on Friday (which isn’t too ideal for someone who has been deployed as a center for the majority of the season) and a final decision on whether or not he’ll suit up will come later in the day. The fact it has even come to this further cements the thought that this trade is one that GM Peter Chiarelli may want a mulligan on.
More from Edmonton:
- David Staples, also of Postmedia, argues that the Oilers need to make a move to bring in another goaltender as soon as possible. Presently, backup Laurent Brossoit is getting the starts with Cam Talbot on the shelf with an upper-body injury but he has not fared well, posting a save percentage of just .871 in his first three appearances as the interim starter. With Edmonton already eight points out of a playoff spot and Brossoit struggling, another week or two without Talbot could prove to be devastating in the standings so bringing in someone that’s a bit more proven would certainly be beneficial. Our Zach Leach took a look at some of their options earlier this week.
- Recently reacquired blueliner Brandon Davidson is likely to make his first appearance against his former team in Montreal, notes Paul Gazzola on the Oilers’ team website. Davidson was claimed off waivers a week ago today but has been a healthy scratch for the two games since then. Presumably, it would be Yohann Auvitu ceding his spot after playing less than 11 minutes on Wednesday night.
All of the Stromes underwelm ……