Oilers Recall Greene

The Oilers have recalled Matt Greene from Springfield. He played one game on a conditioning stint and was +2.

Carolina Supposedly Eyeing Tarnstrom

The Carolina Hurricanes reportedly have their eyes on veteran defenseman Dick Tarnstrom. They're looking for an affordable puck-moving blueliner. I'm not sure what they would offer the Oilers in return though.

Oilers Place Sanderson on IR

The Oilers have placed forward Geoff Sanderson on the NHL injured reserve list with a back injury. He missed seven games in December due to back spasms and hasn't played since January 3rd against Nashville.

Oilers Activate Greene

The Oilers activated defenseman Matt Greene from the injured reserve list and assigned him to Springfield of the AHL on a conditioning stint. Greene broke his fibula and damaged ligaments in his ankle back on October 30th.

Playoffs or Bust for Roloson

The ongoing quest to make the playoffs is probably weighing pretty heavily on Dwayne Roloson's mind. If the Oilers aren't in position to make the playoffs come trade deadline day, Roli's on the block. Garon's proven that he's a capable starting goaltender, and $3+ million is too much for a backup. If the Oilers make the playoffs, they'll keep him around for insurance (especially after what happened in '06), but don't expect to see Roli back next season.

Oilers Interested in Hossa?

There are rumors floating around that suggest the Oilers (along with just about every other team in the league) are interested in Marian Hossa. It's widely acknowledged that Hossa will be on the trading block if the Thrashers can't come to terms with him on a new contract before the trade deadline. I suspect the Oilers, if they're still in the hunt for a playoff spot, will dangle a few of their youngsters as trade bait, but I can't see this deal ever happening. Hossa becomes an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season, and Kevin Lowe would be crucified if he gave up the future of the team to get Hossa without a guarantee that he'll be sticking around for next season. And although I'd love to see someone of Hossa's skill level in copper and blue, I can't imagine that he'd fit into Craig MacTavish's defense first system.

Torres Surgery Scheduled for Friday

Raffi Torres will undergo knee surgery on Friday to repair the anterior cruciate ligament of his right knee. Torres was injured on December 13th against the Detroit Red Wings and will miss the rest of the season.

Garon to Start Tonight

Mathieu Garon gets the nod tonight against his former team, the Los Angeles Kings. This will be Garon's 7th consecutive start.

Greene to Return Shortly

Defenseman Matt Greene, who has missed 33 games with a broken ankle, has been skating and is expected to travel with the team on their upcoming roadtrip through the Southeast Division.

Gagner Named to Youngstars Roster

Rookie Sam Gagner was named to the NHL Youngstars Roster today. Gagner is tied for 10th in rookie scoring with 3 goals and 13 assists for 16 points. He is also 6th among rookies in assists.

Garon Named NHL's Second Star of the Week

Mathieu Garon was named the NHL's second star of the week today. After being named as the Oiler's starting goaltender, Garon went 3-0-0 this past week and posted a 1.01 GAA and 0.968 save percentage. Garon posted a 35 save shutout against the New York Islanders.

Tarnstrom on his way out?

Dick Tarnstrom's days as an Oiler are coming to an end, if you believe the rumors floating around. Tarnstrom has been a frequent healthy scratch, and the Chicago Blackhawks are rumored to be finalizing a deal for the veteran blueliner.

Pitkanen Back Tommorrow Night

Joni Pitkanen is expected to play tommorrow night against the Flames after sitting out Thursday against the Phoenix Coyotes with the flu.

Robbie Schremp named to AHL All-Star Game

Robbie Schremp was named to the AHL All-Star Game yesterday. This is inevitably going to lead to fans all over Oil Country demanding that he be recalled. Sorry Oilers fans, but Schremp is not the solution to our offensive woes. There's a reason that he's playing for the Falcons and not the big club, and it isn't because management is out to destroy him. He has 9 goals and 39 points in 37 games... not exactly lighting it up. He's also -3, and the last thing the Oilers need is another minus player. Until Schremp begins to show that he isn't a selfish player and that he's willing to contribute defensively, not just offensively, he's right where he belongs.

Horcoff named to All-Star Team

Oilers center Shawn Horcoff was named to the NHL Western Conference All-Star team yesterday. I hate to say it, but I question whether he truly belongs in Atlanta at the end of the month. Don't get me wrong, I'm a huge fan of Horc and everything he brings to the team, but 41 points in 45 games, well, those aren't exactly All-Star numbers. If it wasn't for the fact that each team must be represented, would he still be there? Horc's a fierce competitor that plays his heart out each and every shift, but All-Star material he ain't.