Edmonton Oilers Send Down Forward; Call Up Defenseman

The Edmonton Oilers have called up Markus Niemelainen to their NHL roster and sent down Brad Malone to the AHL.

Niemelainen played in his first 20 NHL games last season with the Oilers, where he had an assist and a minus-5 rating. The 6-foot-6 defenseman also played in 34 games with the Bakersfield Condors, where he had two goals and eight points. Overall, the 24-year-old will provide the Oilers with more depth on the blueline.

Malone played in both of Edmonton's two games this regular season. During them, he went scoreless and had a minus-1 rating. The 33-year-old should once again be a big part of the Condors' roster. He not only provides solid offense at the AHL level, but his immense experience makes him a good leader in the locker room.