Looking at the Oilers’ blue line depth, they have a pretty solid d-corps, and a lot of backup options. With Andrej Sekera ailing to start the year, Edmonton will have to improvise, and thankfully, has the pieces to do so.
While Eric Gryba is the most likely blueliner to draw into the lineup in wake of Sekera’s injury, the Oilers will see what they have in training camp and go from there. And Simpson, though mainly an AHL blueliner, could prove his worth and possibly earn a spot on the opening night roster.
In 53 games with the Bakersfield Condors last year, Simpson racked up three goals and 11 points and was a plus-8.