The first domino has fallen in Kailer Yamamoto’s impending return from the injured reserve.
On Sunday, the Oilers placed forward Devin Shore on waivers and he cleared on Monday. He and his $850,000 cap hit will be heading to the Bakersfield Condors, where he had a five-game conditioning stint weeks ago.
He was electric in those games scoring two goals and five points, and will be a definite boost to the Condors amid a stretch of hockey where their season has turned around.
For the Oilers, meanwhile, they have a tough decision to make ahead of Wednesday when Yamamoto is expected to be activated. In order for the Oilers to be cap compliant, they need to clear an additional $1.125-million in cap space. This can be done via a trade or waiver placement. Players like Mattias Janmark, Derek Ryan, Warren Foegele and Jesse Puljujarvi are all options.
The other way could be by placing a player on LTIR. Klim Kostin, who was injured Saturday against the Ottawa Senators, makes just $750,000 and wouldn’t be enough for the Oilers to bring Yamamoto back.
The Oilers take on the Detroit Red Wings Wednesday night in Edmonton.
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