Edmonton Oilers Add 3 Depth Options To Playoff Roster

The Edmonton Oilers have given themselves some options for their playoff lineup, and a little insurance, ahead of Game 6 on Saturday as they look to close out the Los Angeles Kings in their first-round series. 

🔁 #Oilers roster moves 🔁

🔹Defenceman Markus Niemelainen has been recalled from the @Condors
🔸Defenceman Cam Dineen recalled from Bakersfield
🔹Forward Brad Malone also recalled from Bakersfield #LetsGoOilers pic.twitter.com/RGVM0lrBZX

— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) April 26, 2023

The Oilers have recalled three players from the Bakersfield Condors of the AHL: defenseman Cam Dineen and Markus Niemelainen along with forward Brad Malone. The AHL squad just had their Calder Cup playoff run ended. 

None of them are guaranteed to get into a game for the Oilers this spring, but certainly provide some insurance in the event of any injuries to the regular group.

Malone is by far the most experienced of the trio at the NHL level. At 33, he's a nine-year veteran, having played in 217 career games including 10 with the Oilers this season. He can add a physical presence if needed in a 4th-line scenario. He also registered 21 points in 41 AHL games with the Condors. 

Both Dineen and Niemelainen were third-round selections in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft, but each bring a different element to the ice. While the 5'11" Dineen brings an offensive game (47 points in 69 AHL games this season), Niemelainen adds some size on the other end of the ice, at 6'6". He's played 20+ games with the Oilers in each of the last two seasons. 

Edmonton leads the Kings 3-2 in their series after a resounding 6-3 win on Tuesday; Game 6 Saturday is back in California. 

Photo: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports