Edmonton's UFA and Waiver Options to Replace MacIntyre and Brown

Steve MacIntyre and Mike Brown both went down to injury during Friday night's game in Oklahoma City, leaving the Oilers without a player devoted to fighting full-time. If the two are going to miss significant time, it's likely the Oilers will seek to replace them on the roster with like players.

While the Oilers would be much better off inquiring about the serivces of players like David Steckel, Brad Boyes, Vinny Prospal, and Chad Larose, it's obvious the management teams wants enforcers on the roster and will most likely seek the services of hired knuckles via free agency or the waiver wire because the only internal candidate for the job is Cam Abney. Abney is currently in camp with the Oklahoma City Barons, though Abney is doesn't have the skating ability to keep up with other 4th-line NHL players.

Skimming through the list of unrestrictred free agents produces very little. Darcy Hordichuk is stil available, though he's already failed at playing hired knuckles in Edmonton and is perhaps most famous for hurting himself while trying to run Keith Ballard:

Akim Aliu is also unsigned and on an AHL PTO, though Aliu is not a fighter, more of a large pest without the ability to play a regular shift.

Waivers are an option - the Oilers have picked up Jesse Boulerice and Steve MacIntyre on waivers previously and both Jay Rosehill and Eric Boulton might fit the bill for the Oilers should they feel the need to add another fighter.