Oilers assign defenceman Evan Bouchard to AHL, Persson hurt

evan-bouchard

Winnipeg Jets' Dennis Everberg (45) is checked by Edmonton Oilers' Evan Bouchard (75) during first period pre-season action in Edmonton. (Jason Franson/CP)

The Edmonton Oilers‘ defence corp got a little clearer Tuesday night after they assigned Evan Bouchard to the American Hockey League’s Bakersfield Condors.

Bouchard, 19, played seven games at the start of last season with the Oilers before being returned to the Ontario Hockey League’s London Knights.

Edmonton’s blue line was dealt a blow earlier in the evening when Joel Persson left a pre-season loss against Arizona with an upper-body injury.

With Bouchard going to the AHL, it opens the door for right-handed defender Ethan Bear, 22, to make the squad.

The Oilers also sent goaltender Shane Starrett to the AHL on Tuesday, leaving 31 players in training camp.

Edmonton opens the regular season next Wednesday at home against the Vancouver Canucks.

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