Oilers Make Final Cuts and Sign Junior Call-Ups

The Edmonton Oilers concluded their cuts today and trimmed down their roster to 30 pro players. The signing started with Power Forward Brian McConnell, Known for dropping his gloves and being one of the Junior Oilers top enforcers Brian was able to tally 38 pts when he wasn't in the box. McConnell is expected to spend a lot of time in the AHL while playing a limited role from time to time as a 4th line center/enforcer for the Oilers. The Oilers 2nd signing was Left Winger Alexei Mikhnov who led the Junior Oilers in scoring with 59 pts in 81 games. Alexei will be competing for a Left Wing starting position with veteraen Yachmenev and the Oilers 3rd signing of the day Salmelainen. Tony Salmelainen's speed may be his ticket over Mikhnov and Yachmenev for a starting spot in the line-up. He has been out skating some of the better pro players in camp. Recently acquired Right Wing Junior Lessard received a 2 year deal as well today. His scoring touch in training camp is untouchable compared to the other juniors. Last season he played on the Junior Hurricanes, Notching 25 goals and adding 39 assists for a total 64 pts which would put him on top of the Junior Oilers in scoring. Expect to see Lessard in a constant pro roll on the 4th line in Edmonton. Paul Flache was the last junior to make the team. Flache a solid defensman last year for the Junior Oilers showed a lot of maturity this year in training camp and the Oilers are graduating him to their AHL farm team to grow more as a defensman and see if he is right for the Oilers pro line-up.