From the American Hockey League to the Edmonton Oilers top line.
That could be the scenario for right-winger Ty Rattie when the Oilers visit the Florida Panthers Saturday afternoon.
“Tomorrow is an opportunity to play and re-establish himself at the NHL level,” Oilers head coach Todd McLellan said on Friday. “We’ll give him more opportunities after that.”
Rattie has 43 points in 53 games with the Bakersfield Condors this season. He played two games with the Oilers, but didn’t hit the scoresheet. McLellan said not to read too much into the lines at practice, but there’s a chance Rattie could be on Connor McDavid’s wing.
“Just find him. He knows a thing or two about scoring goals and making plays,” Rattie said of the Oilers captain.
“I have to prove myself and prove that I can be here and be a full-time player.”
Forward Pontus Aberg didn’t practice on Friday and won’t play against the Panthers. The Oilers will be also be without defenceman Kris Russell.
“Kris Russell blocked a shot and is injured and is very doubtful for tomorrow,” McLellan said. “We hope that he can get himself back into playing in Tampa.”
Cam Talbot will start in goal against Florida. Al Montoya might start Sunday at Tampa Bay.
Catch the Oilers and Panthers on 630 CHED Saturday with the Face-Off Show at 10:30 a.m. The game will start at noon.
The Panthers beat the Oilers 7-5 at Rogers Place on Feb. 12.
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