EDMONTON, AB - With 13 forwards locked up for next season, Oilers President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Peter Chiarelli is remaining patient in his search for a 14th.
In an interview with 630 CHED's Oilers Now host Bob Stauffer, Chiarelli said he is exploring a range of possibilities to fill the final void. That includes inviting players to Oilers Training Camp on a professional tryout basis, waiting to see which forwards enter waivers as well as how some of the young Oilers prospects handle Camp in September.
"I've been asked quite a bit about that 14th forward," Chiarelli
said
. "We've talked to a number of players on PTOs. We're going to look at waivers and see what's available there.
"We're going to kind of take it slowly because we also have some guys that may compete and beat out guys - younger players - that might be in that category."
Chiarelli brought in former Boston Bruins centre Chris Kelly last season as a potential finishing piece. Kelly practiced with Edmonton for a good portion early in the season but never signed a contract with the club. He was picked up by the Anaheim Ducks on Feb. 26, 2018.
"There are still a lot of players out there but we want to make sure we have the right one," Chiarelli added. "If it means keeping a spot open and waiting for the waiver wire during pre-season, then maybe that's what we'll do also."
BLOG: Chiarelli patient with bringing in 14th forward
Professional tryouts, waiver wire and hopeful prospects among possibilities to fill final void on Oilers roster
