The Edmonton Oilers have made critical roster adjustments to activate winger Zach Hyman for his season debut against the Carolina Hurricanes on Saturday. The team placed defenceman Troy Stecher on waivers and assigned winger Ike Howard to AHL Bakersfield, effectively clearing the necessary roster space and salary cap for Hyman’s return.
By placing Stecher on waivers, the Oilers stand to shed over $2.4 million in salary, allowing them to activate Hyman, who has been sidelined due to a dislocated wrist. Stecher, who has played only six games this season, found himself at the bottom of the team’s defensive depth chart. The 31-year-old’s contributions were overshadowed by younger players like Alec Regula and Ty Emberson, both of whom have displayed more upside and potential.
Stecher’s situation was not a hurried decision. The Oilers had been exploring trade options for him since mid-October but failed to receive any viable offers. With a cap hit of $787,500 for just this season, Stecher is typically viewed as a sixth or seventh defenceman. His long-term injury, combined with the Oilers’ current roster strategy, made waiving him a practical solution.
In addition to Stecher’s move, sending Howard to the minors also addressed financial concerns. Howard had been counting as a $1,616,667 player against the Oilers’ salary cap due to his entry-level performance bonuses, as he was not part of the season-opening roster. By demoting him, the Oilers avoided the need to remove multiple players to clear the nearly $2.2 million required to activate Hyman. Notably, Howard was exempt from waivers, which prevented the risk of losing another player.
On the ice, Howard’s demotion provides him with an opportunity to gain valuable experience and confidence. The organization has recognized his potential, particularly following an impressive rookie camp. Although he scored twice and added an assist in 17 games, Howard struggled to find consistent ice time, averaging just 9:30 minutes per game, the lowest on the team.
The Oilers’ decision to send Howard down mirrors a previous strategy used with Matt Savoie, another 2022 draft pick. While Savoie gained experience and developed his game in Bakersfield last season, Howard is expected to benefit from similar first-line minutes in the AHL. This opportunity will allow him to showcase his skills, particularly alongside talented teammates like Viljami Marjala.
The Oilers’ adjustments reflect a pragmatic approach to roster management. As Hyman prepares for his return, the team has effectively balanced short-term needs with long-term development. With the imminent return of Hyman and the expected return of Ryan Nugent-Hopkins next week, the Oilers have positioned themselves strategically for the remainder of the season.
These roster moves signal a commitment to maximizing player potential while ensuring the team’s competitiveness as they navigate the challenges of the ongoing season.
