According to TSN.ca, Liam Reddox has rejected his qualifying offer from the team and is likely to play in Europe next season.
Reddox was a subject of derision for many fans after Craig MacTavish used him over more popular prospects, but he's an impact player in any league other than the NHL and outpaced many of Springfield's best offensively while contributing solid two-way play. Kelly Buchberger called him Springfield's Ryan Smyth and after a solid debut in a bottom-six role, Reddox looked like he could carve out an NHL career.
The departure of MacTavish and hiring of Pat Quinn was bad news for Reddox as an Oiler, and I wonder if he was told that he'd likely spend most of next season in Springfield.
This is a minor move, but surprising all the same, and unfortunate for organizational depth. I know a lot of people will react with indifference, but I'm in agreement with the minority who think Reddox could have been a legitimately useful bottom-six player in a few seasons.
As for why he left, I think it's pretty simple, and it's probably got nothing to do with hating Edmonton, or unchecked rapacity, or any of the other familiar themes trotted out time and again. The difference between what is likely to be a six-figure salary in Europe versus a five-figure salary in the AHL is both obvious and sufficient motivation.