EDMONTON — It’s coming down to the wire.
To be more precise, it’s coming down to the waiver wire. Right now is when the hardest cuts in each NHL team’s camp happen: players who didn’t make the final roster but the team obviously wants to keep.
Two former Edmonton Oilers hit the waiver wire yesterday.
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Defensemen Jordan Oesterle and Ethan Bear are available for any team to submit a claim.
Oesterle signed with the Boston Bruins on July 1st. The two parties agreed on a two-year $775,000 contract. Last season, he played 22 games for the Calgary Flames. In that time, he recorded two points and averaged 13:31 in ice time.
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The 32-year-old left-handed defender began his career with the Oilers. Since then, he has played for the Chicago Blackhawks, Arizona Coyotes, Detroit Red Wings, and the Flames.
Bear, on the other hand, is put on waivers by the Washington Capitals. The right-handed defenseman is in the second year of a $2.06-million contract.
Things haven’t been smooth for the 27-year-old, as he needed time away from the game and in the NHLPA’s player assistance program. He is back and ready to compete for a spot.
Unfortunately for Bear, he must work his way up from the AHL.
In 24 games with the Capitals last season, Bear averaged 14:54, a career low for the right-handed rearguard. He collected four points during that time.
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Both players would be great options for any team. Oesterle is the cheaper option, which would make a claim easy for any team. With Bear, a trade might be more likely, especially for a team closer to the salary cap ceiling.
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