Getting eliminated in the qualification round is a tough way for any player to finish the season, but for Tyler Ennis it must have felt much worse. Not only will the Edmonton Oilers forward become an unrestricted free agent, but he is also now dealing with a long rehab. The team announced today that Ennis suffered a broken leg and ligament damage in his ankle during the Oilers’ third game of their series against the Chicago Blackhawks. He is expected to make a full recovery, but it will take several months.
Ennis doesn’t have several months left on his contract, as it will expire in October when the offseason begins. The 30-year old forward has resurrected his career after a buyout ended his tenure with the Minnesota Wild in 2018, but after signing consecutive one-year sub-$1M contracts, you can bet he was hoping to head into the offseason with a little more leverage. Instead, Ennis will have to hope someone takes another chance on him after the major injury.
The thing is, the Oilers may be his best bet. After scoring 14 goals and 33 points with the Ottawa Senators this season, Ennis was traded to Edmonton and fit in extremely well. The team had been looking for more speed and skill up front for years, something Ennis brings in spades. Perhaps this will give them an even better opportunity at bringing him back, though there are other tough decisions to come in Edmonton after such a disappointing finish.
what an absolute warrior, local kid making good. really hope he rehabs well and the team bring him back