The Edmonton Oilers‘ depth in net is about to get a boost.
The team announced Sunday that veteran goalie Mike Smith has been activated from its long-term injured reserve and fellow netminder Stuart Skinner has been loaned to its AHL affiliate, the Bakersfield Condors.
Smith, 38, has yet to suit up for the Oilers this season after he was placed on LTIR on Jan. 15.
Smith’s injury has forced the Oilers to turn to Mikko Koskinen in 12 of their 13 games this season. The 32-year-old has struggled under the burden, posting a 5-7 record with a 3.55 goals-against average and .889 save percentage.
Smith is expected to start one of Edmonton’s games in a back-to-back vs. the Ottawa Senators on Monday and Tuesday.
Smith signed a one-year, $2-million deal with the Oilers in the off-season. He appeared in 39 games for Edmonton in 2019-20, recording a .902 SV% and 2.95 GAA.
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