May 6: Forward Xavier Bourgault has also been added to the Oilers’ playoff roster, the team said Monday. Bourgault, 21, was the 22nd overall pick of the 2021 draft. He’s yet to make his NHL debut and struggled in his sophomore season with Bakersfield, limited to eight goals and 20 points in 55 games. He has one year remaining on his entry-level contract
May 4: After bringing up goaltender Jack Campbell and defenseman Philip Broberg earlier, the Oilers have finalized the rest of their ‘Black Ace’ recalls. The team announced (Twitter link) that they’ve recalled forwards Adam Erne, Raphael Lavoie, and Lane Pederson, defensemen Philip Kemp, Cam Dineen, and Ben Gleason, and goaltender Olivier Rodrigue from AHL Bakersfield.
Among the forwards, Erne played the most with Edmonton this season, getting into 24 games but was limited to just two points and less than eight minutes a night of ice time but did average nearly three hits per game. The 29-year-old didn’t light it up with the Condors either, recording six goals and six helpers in 36 minor league appearances. However, if the Oilers decide they want some extra physicality on the fourth line here and there, the pending UFA could get into the lineup.
Lavoie cleared waivers at the end of training camp but that didn’t deter him. Instead, the 23-year-old had his best AHL campaign, notching 28 goals and 22 assists in 68 games while also making his first seven NHL appearances. That should have him in the mix for a roster spot with Edmonton against next season although it would be surprising to see him get into the lineup now.
Pederson, meanwhile, failed to make an NHL appearance for the first time since 2019-20. He did, however, have a strong year with Bakersfield, collecting 22 goals and 30 helpers in 66 contests. He’s under contract for one more year at the league minimum on a one-way deal.
As for the blueliners, only Kemp saw NHL action this season, making his first (and only) appearance at the top level. The 25-year-old played in 64 games with the Condors this year, recording a pair of goals and 13 assists. He’s signed through next season on a two-way contract.
Dineen has the most NHL experience among the blueliners brought up today, having gotten into 34 games with Arizona back in 2021-22. He had his first full year in Bakersfield this season after being acquired last year, picking up five goals and 20 assists in 58 games. The 25-year-old will be eligible for Group Six unrestricted free agency for the second straight year this summer.
Gleason’s last taste of NHL action came back in 2018-19 in his first professional season back when he was with Dallas. Since then, the 26-year-old has been one of the more consistent offensive producers from the back end in the AHL and this year was no exception as he put up 10 goals and 22 assists in 62 appearances. His contract converts to a one-way agreement next season for the league minimum.
Rodrigue was expected to split time with Calvin Pickard this season with Bakersfield but those plans changed with Campbell struggling and Pickard taking over as the backup in Edmonton. Still, the 23-year-old posted a 2.73 GAA with a .916 SV% in 37 games with the Condors this season, earning himself a one-year extension along the way.
Most, if not all of these players won’t see any action during the rest of Edmonton’s postseason action but will be staying ready in case injuries warrant them suiting up.