It was announced earlier this afternoon that Oilers defenseman Troy Stecher will undergo season ending ankle surgery.
This abrupt news derailed any chances of head coach Chris Knoblauch inserting him into the lineup as the Oilers defence continues to struggle and needs a shake up. Stecher, who was traded at the deadline from the Arizona Coyotes had played seven games for the Oilers during the regular season and had two assists and was a + 4. He also averaged 16 minutes per game of ice time.
Troy Stetcher will be having ankle surgery soon. For those asking why he hasn't been skating. #Oilers
— Jason Gregor (@JasonGregor) May 28, 2024
But since his injury, Stecher has missed all fifteen playoff games and appears to be a bust in terms of trade positive for the team.
🔁 TRADE 🔁
The #Oilers have acquired defenceman Troy Stecher along with a seventh-round selection in the 2024 Draft from the Coyotes in exchange for Edmonton’s fourth-round selection in the 2027 Draft.#LetsGoOilers pic.twitter.com/ibKM2FjEJv— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) March 7, 2024
It's clear that the Oilers will need to make some changes to their blue line as
Game 3 exposed their flaws. Players like Cody Ceci, Darnell Nurse and Evan Bouchard had a particularly tough game when the Stars took over in the second period.
GOOD GUY TROY STECHER - Woz pic.twitter.com/mDdOSd2iyX
— Oilersnation.com, Oily Since ‘07 (@OilersNation) March 29, 2024
Losing Stecher is certainly a blow to the Oilers depth and would have given the defence corps a different look as Knoblauch and Paul Coffey continued to search for answers.
The Oilers will look to redeem themselves in game 4 as it will be held on May 29th. Game time will be 8:30 PM eastern.
