In a series of moves that may seem unrelated at first glance, the Edmonton Oilers are strategically positioning themselves to enter Long Term Injury Reserve (LTIR) status as early as Wednesday. This maneuver comes in light of the recent recall of their top prospect and the signing of seasoned minor leaguer Cameron Wright to a specific, yet significant NHL contract.

The first move was the recall of Matt Savoie, the Oilers' prized prospect. Although this transaction appears to be more of a technicality—Savoie is not expected to leave the AHL team in Bakersfield—the impact of having his contract registered on the NHL roster is crucial. By placing Savoie on the NHL payroll before officially activating LTIR, the Oilers can stagger the accounting of any potential bonuses, saving them from an immediate cap hit which could have been as high as $1.8 million.

Next, the Oilers signed Wright to a contract with an annual average value (AAV) of $952,000, which is quite substantial for a player of his experience level, especially since he just turned 26 and thus isn't eligible for entry-level contracts or Calder Trophy consideration. This signing aligns with the Oilers’ recent focus on late-blooming players who have shown promise, similar to Vincent Desharnais and James Hamblin.

What's particularly interesting is that by utilizing Wright's contract to essentially absorb whatever cap space remains, the Oilers will come perilously close to the salary cap ceiling—just $53 below it. Following the expected designation of Evander Kane to LTIR—which would lock the team’s cap at $87,999,947—the team can reassign Savoie and Wright to the AHL, opening up crucial cap space—approximately $1.8 million.

Kane's absence is projected to last 5-6 months, meaning the team may not only benefit from the cap relief but also from the opportunity to sign other players, such as potential PTO (Professional Tryout) Travis Dermott, or recall other promising talents like Noah Philp from the AHL, solidifying their roster for the rest of the season.

In conclusion, these deliberate moves by the Oilers highlight their shrewd management of salary cap rules. With an immediate goal of maximizing available cap space, they are preparing to navigate the challenges of the season ahead, ensuring they remain competitive while managing the implications of player injuries.

The Oilers, having been through their share of ups and downs in the previous season, seem to be employing a strategy that could pay dividends not only in cap management but also bolster their lineup as they chase the coveted Stanley Cup. Fans are encouraged to keep a close eye on the developments leading into the regular season as these roster moves unfold. Keep those fingers crossed—the playoffs might not be far behind if the team’s maneuvers pay off!