The Oilers are getting closer to getting one of their top defensemen back in their lineup. Postmedia’s Jim Matheson reports that Andrej Sekera has been cleared for contact and is eyeing a return to action early next month.
The veteran has missed the entire season after undergoing offseason surgery to repair a torn Achilles tendon. It’s the second straight year that he has missed significant time due to an injury as he underwent ACL surgery back in 2017 as well. Last season, Sekera opted to not bother with an AHL conditioning stint but he indicated to Matheson that he’d like to do so. Considering he’s cleared for contact, that assignment may not be too far away and could come shortly after the holiday break.
When healthy, Sekera can be a key part of Edmonton’s back end. In his previous two healthy seasons, he has been a staple in their top four, logging over 21 minutes a night while collecting at least 30 points. His ability to play both sides will also be a significant asset for them.
As Sekera is currently on LTIR, the Oilers will need to get back into salary cap compliance before they can activate him which will require some roster movement. In the short term, Oscar Klefbom could be transferred to LTIR as he’s out until late January or early February but in the weeks to come, it wouldn’t be surprising to see GM Peter Chiarelli try to free up some salary cap space knowing that this is on the horizon.
Another oilers disaster of a contract