2 Surprising Cuts Oilers Made In Training Camp

The Edmonton Oilers are looking like a very deep team at forward, so there were bound to be some interesting cuts. James Hamblin really impressed and came out of nowhere to almost earn a spot on the team while the Oilers are currently running with 12 forwards and seven defence for cap reasons.

Not only do they not have NHL calibre players with the team, they were forced to make some decisions to keep the roster at nearly the minimum. Here's a look at the two players who were surprising cuts from the Oilers training camp.

Mattias Janmark

The Oilers signed Janmark as a free agent this offseason with the expectation that he would be a solid bottom-six player for them. Seeing that the Oilers made moves in order to stay $165 under the salary cap this season, Janmark didn't make the cut. Though he is the better option than Devin Shore or Brad Malone for the centre position, the cap forced the Oilers to choose between Derek Ryan and Janmark. Ryan, having the familiarity with the team, was chosen to make the team.

It's not very often you see a player signed to an NHL deal, only to be cut from training camp. The flat cap has had its effects on some teams, but it's not a bad thing to have NHL-level talent in the AHL. The Oilers or any team would rather have more than enough players ready to step in than not enough.

Devin Shore

Shore was also cut for cap reasons. Malone made the final cuts, but expect Shore to be called back up as soon as the Oilers can make the moves. He scored five goals and 11 points in 49 games last season in a fourth line role.

Shore has the capability of moving up in the lineup if needed, but that's not an ideal situation. Due to his cap hit of $850,000, it would have put the Oilers over the cap. He had a strong camp and it was a tough departure from the team when it was announced he was cut.