Edmonton Oilers make concerning roster move with son of former first overall draft pick

Stefan was signed playing in his age-20 season with the WHL's Portland Winterhawks, where he scored an incredible 50 goals and 101 points in 67 games.

Stefan showed some promising offensive skill in the WHL, and had the interesting family history with pro hockey, but he clearly hasn't put it together at the professional level yet. With only two points in 33 games, a bump down to the ECHL may have been needed.

Beginning the season on the second line with the Condors, the team gave Stefan the opportunity to pick up his offensive game off the bat. Then, he was bumped down the lineup and healthy scratched before this roster move.

Demotion to ECHL is concerning sign for Oilers prospect James Stefan

It's still too early to fully write off Stefan potentially finding a path to the NHL — prospects have struggled and developed in the ECHL and gone on to make the big league.

For now though, sending him down to the lowest level of pro hockey looks a concerning roster move for a player the Oilers signed to a three-year contract.

Hopefully, Stefan can find his game and his confidence again in the ECHL, and begin the road back towards making the big club, and making good on the Oilers' investment.