On November 15, Edmonton Oilers general manager Stan Bowman made a crucial roster adjustment. The team needed to activate winger Zach Hyman, leading to the decision to waive defenceman Troy Stecher. Shortly after, Stecher was claimed by the Toronto Maple Leafs. This left the Oilers with only six healthy defenders, as Jake Walman is currently day-to-day with an injury, raising concerns for the organization.
The Oilers’ depth has become a pressing issue. The Bakersfield Condors, their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, lack ample NHL-ready talent to fill in. This article assesses the current defense options for the Oilers and ranks potential call-ups from the Condors.
Analyzing the Bakersfield Condors’ Defensive Lineup
The Condors feature veterans with NHL experience alongside promising prospects. Here are the even-strength totals, including goals for and against for each defender in the 2025-26 season:
| Player | Games Played | Goals For – Goals Against | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Josh Brown | 14 | 10 – 5 | 67% |
| Beau Akey | 6 | 7 – 6 | 54% |
| Luke Prokop | 18 | 16 – 16 | 50% |
| Damien Carfagna | 16 | 11 – 11 | 50% |
| Cam Dineen | 13 | 7 – 11 | 39% |
| Atro Leppanen | 19 | 12 – 20 | 38% |
| Riley Stillman | 19 | 10 – 17 | 37% |
Ranking the Recall Options
The Oilers are likely to utilize more than the seven opening-night defencemen this season, having already employed eight. Here’s how the potential call-ups from the Condors stack up:
1. Josh Brown
Brown stands out as a rugged defender, although he lacks puck-moving skills. Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 217 pounds, he has played effectively in limited minutes during his NHL appearances and provided quality performance in Bakersfield this season.
2. Riley Stillman
Stillman, another veteran, offers defensive reliability. He has less NHL experience than Brown but has shown capability on the ice. His recall is less likely due to the left side strength of the Oilers’ current roster.
3. Damien Carfagna
Carfagna is an emerging talent with impressive speed and adaptability. Despite limited professional experience, he has shown considerable improvement in recent games and could be an option if circumstances require.
4. Atro Leppanen
Leppanen, a Finnish defender, is known for his offensive skills but struggles defensively. He must show consistent improvement to be considered for a recall.
5. Cam Dineen
Dineen, sidelined with an injury, could have been a top contender based on his speed and puck-moving ability. His current status makes a recall challenging.
6. Beau Akey
Akey is a 20-year-old rookie still adjusting to professional play. His performance has improved alongside Leppanen, but he is unlikely to be called up this season.
7. Luke Prokop
Prokop, a solid defender, is currently on an AHL contract. His high event play has stabilized, showcasing his reliability despite not being on an NHL deal.
8. Mason Millman
Millman is also on an AHL deal and has performed well in limited minutes. His past NHL experience could enhance his recall appeal in the future.
In summary, the Edmonton Oilers face significant challenges with their defensive depth. As the season progresses, monitoring the performance of their AHL affiliates and potential call-up options will be crucial in navigating this roster dilemma.
