The Oilers have activated right winger James Stefan from season-opening injured reserve and assigned him to the Bakersfield Condors.
Around The Horn Hockey reported the moves Sunday, with the injury listed as undisclosed.
The Oilers had already announced Sunday that Stefan was heading to the Condors.
That season-opening IR designation helps explain why he hasn't appeared in a game for Edmonton this season.
This is the right call. A player coming off an injury needs games, and he'll get far more of them in Bakersfield than in a press box.
It's like a pitcher making a rehab start in the minors. Nobody is judging the box score yet, they just want to see him healthy.
The 23-year-old carries a $945,000 cap hit, according to HockeyDB.
NEWS: The Edmonton Oilers have activated RW James Stefan (undisclosed) from Season-Opening Injured Reserve.
Subsequently, the Oilers have assigned Stefan to Bakersfield (AHL).
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James Stefan off injured reserve as Oilers send winger to AHL Bakersfield
That deal runs through 2026-27, when he's set to become a restricted free agent.
He has 3 points in 51 career AHL games, all with Bakersfield.
He found more success with the Fort Wayne Komets last season, putting up 34 points in the ECHL.
His final WHL season with Portland produced 101 points, including 50 goals.
He added 16 points in 18 playoff games that spring.
Edmonton has been sorting out its roster as players return, with Jason Gregor noting a move would be needed once Colton Dach is activated.
Zach Hyman scored on the power play in his return Saturday.
Isaac Howard and Joshua Samanski are among the young forwards still pushing for bigger roles in Edmonton.
The Oilers are 6-1-1 and perfect on the road at 5-0-0.
Mike Babcock's message to the depth group this week was simple: earn the puck.
Jason Dickinson remains out until at least Oct 28 with an undisclosed issue.
Does a strong stretch in Bakersfield put him back on Edmonton's radar this season?
The Oilers host Minnesota on Tuesday night to open a four-game homestand.
Healthy again and back in the lineup somewhere. For a 23-year-old trying to prove he belongs, that's the only place to start.
Will James Stefan earn a call-up to the Oilers this season?
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