Edmonton Oilers send several players to waivers including two surprises

The Edmonton Oilers announced final roster cuts as the curtain rises on the 2024-25 NHL season.

Noah Philp is heading to the AHL's Bakersfield Condors, while Olivier Rodrigue , Raphael Lavoie, Drake Caggiula, and Josh Brown, have all been placed on waivers.

It's a bummer to see Philp start the season in Bakersfield, especially after he impressed during training camp. But getting more pro games under his belt isn't a bad thing before he finally makes his NHL debut.

As for Josh Brown, it's surprising to see him go after signing a three-year deal on July 1, only to not get a regular-season game after a tough camp. It's refreshing to see GM Stan Bowman making these tough calls without letting ego get in the way, showing a commitment to making the right decisions for the team.

Now, regarding Rodrigue, it's a frustrating situation. The Oilers invested a second-round pick in him back in 2018, and while they've spent years developing him, he still hasn't played an NHL game. With Calvin Pickard at 32, the Oilers may need a backup goalie soon. It's disheartening to think they might lose Rodrigue to free agency next summer without ever giving him a chance.

Lavoie had some solid moments in the preseason, but a foot injury sidelined him during the crucial final week. He has the potential to be a goal-scorer, which the Oilers desperately need in the bottom six, but the coaching staff seems to prefer other options for now.

And let's not forget about Drake Caggiula. His friendship with Connor McDavid goes way back to their high school days at Premier Elite Athletes' Collegiate. It's always great to see that kind of camaraderie on the team which means he will receive his shot with the Bakersfield Condors in the AHL if unclaimed.

What this means is fan-favorites Derek Ryan and Connor Brown make the team. There was a debate about whether one of them would be waived and at risk of being claimed elsewhere, but they're not going anywhere.
Hopefully, these moves pay off as they kick off the season against the Winnipeg Jets at Rogers Place on Wednesday and begin their chase for a Stanley Cup.

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