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Please recall right winger Adam Cracknell.
A veteran of nine NHL seasons, Cracknell was drafted by the Calgary Flames back in the ninth round of the 2004 entry draft.
Since then, he’s carved out a career that’s seen him participate in 210 NHL games, scoring 46 points along the way. I will forgive you if you cannot remember his time in an Oiler sweater, as it was an eight-game stint towards the end of 2015-16. Most recently, he spent last season in the KHL with Kunlun Red Star.
As of Monday, it sounded like Ken Holland may have some interest in this player.
Sounds like Adam Cracknell has had some discussions with the Oilers and a contract is likely to happen in the near future. Experienced depth player who can help in the minors, and as a call up.https://t.co/BgVDSQUMfA
— Ryan Rishaug (@TSNRyanRishaug) September 8, 2020
There’s a lot going on here, but I’ve got several questions about Ken Holland offering this guy one of the spots on a 50 man roster. I understand the entire “let’s bring a guy in to help mentor the kids”, but with the AHL season in uncertain waters next year due to COVID-19 (early talk may suggest a 48 game season for the NHL in 2020-21), the possible addition of Cracknell is puzzling.
The Adam Cracknell rumor sent me down a rabbit hole that ended with the 2004 draft. Cracknell, taken 279th overall, has played 210 games. The 10 players selected by the Oilers in that draft have played a combined 295 for the team.
— Ryan Batty (@ryan_batty) September 8, 2020
Liam Reddox played 100 games for the Oilers? Did not think it was near that many.
The Oilers currently stand at 48 out of a maximum 50 contracts. Would Holland sign Cracknell to push it to 49?
One thing Crackell would have going for him is that the right wing position is still terribly thin. Barring an acquisition this offseason, it would take about one injury before Cracknell’s name to become a serious contender to make the roster. This becomes even more so if the Oilers decide to move Jesse Puljujarvi between now and the draft.
In the end, Cracknell wouldn’t cost a bunch and would likely be an AHL staple if everything works like it should. The question remains: why specifically Cracknell?