What It Means:

Despite being in the second season of a $9 million contract over two years, the 29 year-old Nikitin started the season in the minors. He posted 9 points (one goal, eight assists) in 14 games in the AHL.

Nikitin has yet to play in the NHL this season, but he recorded 10 points (four goals, six assists) in 42 games last season for the Oilers while posting an average time on ice of 19:38. Edmonton allows the 25th most goals per game at 2.9, so they could use as much help on defense as possible.