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After their blowout loss to the Dallas Stars, the Edmonton Oilers are expected to cut 2 forwards from their NHL roster to make room for players returning from injury.

Both Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Kasperi Kapanen are expected to be options to play the Oilers’ next game on Saturday. It’s a significant boost for Edmonton, but also will force some tough decisions – including with rookie Connor Clattenburg.

Edmonton Oilers set to cut 2 roster players, insiders believe Clattenburg will stay

For the Edmonton Oilers to be cap complainant after both Nuge and Kapanen are activated, the Oilers will need to send at least one player down. Most likely, that’s looking like David Tomasek.

In addition, Connor Clattenburg is gaining some attention after being called up from the AHL. The 20 year-old rookie power forward has been great, which is leading insiders to believe he will stay around.

Clattenburg has only played 2 games this season and he’s had more impact moments than most veterans on the 4th line.

Sending Clattenburg down after his quality play the last two games would be an awful look for a veteran Oilers team that’s struggling mightily. Clattenburg has been just as effective, if not more, than players like Trent Frederic and Andrew Mangiapane. Curtis Lazar or Mattias Janmark could be options to be replaced by Clattenburg.

On the other hand, there could be a trade market for David Tomasek too. The 29 year old has shown some decent skill and was generating offence higher up in the lineup, but just isn’t suited to a 4th line role. If Edmonton could get any sort of draft pick in return and allow Tomasek another NHL chance, that’d be the best outcome.

After multiple blowout losses this season and still outside a playoff spot, the time is now for Edmonton to make a shake up move. Cutting a few forwards will just be one step in the right direction.

Previously on Edmonton Hockey Daily

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Edmonton Oilers set to cut 2 roster players after loss to Dallas Stars

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