Oilers News and Rumors: Forsberg, Koekkoek, Smith Taxi Squad, More

The Oilers Taxi Squad is Set

Edmonton’s taxi squad will include the following players: Joakim Nygard (F), Patrick Russell (F), Tyler Benson (F), Ryan McLeod (F), Alan Quine (F), Stuart Skinner (G). One of the interesting names not on the squad is forward Devin Shore.

There has been no news about whether or not the Oilers have cut Shore from the PTO or signed him and placed him on the 23-man roster to start the season.

Slater Koekkoek Getting A Longer Look

As per a report by Ryan Rishaug of TSN today, defenseman Slater Koekkoek was taking reps with Tyson Barrie today. That’s an interesting thing to note simply because through camp, this was the spot occupied by Kris Russell.

Rishaug notes, “Though they are rotating a bit, he seemed to take the first rep with him. Russell and Lagesson a pairing and don’t see Bouchard as of now.”

This might be nothing, but it could mean the Oilers want to get one more good look at Koekkoek before finalizing their blue line pairings.

Plan Now After Oilers Lost Forsberg

The Oilers were not expecting — at least, certainly not hoping — to lose goaltender Anton Forsberg on waivers on Tuesday. The Carolina Hurricanes plucked him off the waiver wire after the Oilers had signed Forsberg on the first day of free agency. Now, as mentioned above, Skinner is the third-string goalie.

This is not ideal for the Oilers and there could be a couple of options moving forward. The team has some time to decide what to do with Skinner since the AHL season doesn’t start until February and if the Hurricanes decide to put Forsberg on their taxi squad, he’d need to hit waivers again. Edmonton could essentially pick him up again.

Tippett said during his media available that there might be some options out there for GM Ken Holland but added, “That might be a better question for Ken.”

Mike Smith Honors Joey Moss

Goaltenders always take a lot of great care and time into their helmet designs. Oilers netminder Mike Smith has chosen to feature tributes to Grant Fuhr and the recently deceased Joey Moss.

The front of the mask inspired by the same mask work by Fuhr in the ’80’s, while the back features a logo honouring Moss. The mask was designed and painted by artist David Arrigo. Tippett says there are plans in place for the Oilers to honor Joey sometime during the season.