EDMONTON – Emergency call-ups are a staple of this time of year.

The NHL has rules about AHL call-ups once the trade deadline has passed.

The Edmonton Oilers are utilizing this option to its fullest effect. Since the March trade deadline, they have made emergency recalls of Olivier Rodrigue and Noah Philp.

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And their newest call-up has already been an emergency call-up this season.

Earlier on Thursday, the Oilers made a curious transaction. They loaned goalie Rodrigue to the Bakersfield Condors and recalled defenseman Cam Dineen. 

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Dineen was called up under emergency conditions on March 6th. He was eventually sent down after playing against the Montreal Canadiens that night. Kris Knoblauch thought he played a “heck of a game.”

With this move, observers can make two assumptions. One, Stuart Skinner is likely to return to action on Friday against the San Jose Sharks. Two, Jake Walman is very likely to miss the game against his former team, the Sharks.

Both moves are necessary, as it is unsustainable for the Oilers to play with only five defenders every game. Brett Kulak played 29 minutes, while Evan Bouchard and Darnell Nurse both collected 28 minutes. 

Rodrigue goes down to the Condors after playing two games with the Oilers. He finishes his brief stint with one loss, a 3.10 goals against average, and an .862 save percentage.

Dineen reached an incredible milestone earlier in April. He collected his 42nd point of the season, setting a new Condors' record for points by a defender. He has since added his 43rd point, having now played in 59 games.

According to a report from Ryan Holt, Dineen (and his defense partner) have been playing "nearly 30 minutes a night for over a month" in the AHL. He clearly can play solid NHL minutes.

Considering that the Oilers played with only five defenders against the St. Louis Blues, it’s reasonable to expect Dineen to suit up immediately and play against the Sharks.

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