The Edmonton Oilers have officially announced the signing of forward to a one-year, two-way contract. The 26-year-old winger, who went undrafted out of the University of Denver, has spent the last two seasons alternating between the American Hockey League (AHL) and the ECHL.
Last season, Stapley played 48 games for the Bakersfield Condors, the Oilers’ AHL affiliate, where he recorded 12 goals and 9 assists. While his stats show he can contribute at the AHL level, his offensive potential appears to be limited. As a result, it is unlikely that Stapley will get significant playing time with the Oilers’ NHL squad this season.
A two-way contract means Stapley will earn different salaries depending on whether he plays in the AHL or the NHL. This type of contract is often given to players who are expected to spend most of their time in the minor leagues but could be called up to the NHL if needed. Given Stapley’s role and performance so far, he is expected to spend the majority of his time with the Condors, continuing to develop his skills at the AHL level.
While his path to the NHL may be uncertain, Stapley’s signing reflects the Oilers’ focus on depth and development within their organization. The team is looking to solidify its minor league talent pool, which could serve as a reserve of players ready to step up when needed. Although it’s unlikely that Stapley will play a big role with the Oilers this season, his presence adds depth to the Condors, providing potential value to the organization over the course of the year.
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