Oilers Call Up Ben Eager

Though it was widely known by last night, and first reported by Jonathan Willis, the Oilers have recalled Ben Eager from their AHL affiliate the Oklahoma City Barons:

#Oilers recall Ben Eager from the AHL's @OKCBarons.

— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) October 22, 2013

With Taylor Hall and Ryan Smyth out of the lineup, Jordan Eberle doubtful and Mike Brown traded to the Sharks for a 4th round pick, Eager may actually slot into the third line, rather than replace Brown on the 4th line.

Eager has struggled to play effective hockey since coming to Edmonton, especially after suffering two concussions, the first came two seasons ago during training camp on a hit by Kiriil Tulupov and the second last season during a fight with Zack Kassian.  Fortunately, Eager doesn't need to drop the gloves to bring value to the Oilers right now - simply playing better than the 2nd-worst possession forward in the league will be an improvement.

This could be Eager's big (and final) chance in the NHL, playing a role that requires hockey skill, not punching faces allow to stay in the NHL.