The Edmonton Oilers have recalled defenseman Nikita Nikitin from AHL Bakersfield.
In a related story, Oilers defenseman Mark Fayne has cleared waivers. Though Fayne remains on the NHL roster for now, it’s expected that he’ll be assigned to the Condors shortly.
Nikitin, meanwhile, makes his return to the NHL after a good run of late in the minors.
Nikitin was on a 5-game point streak and had nine points (1g-8a) in 14 games in #Condorstown.
— Bakersfield Condors (@Condors) December 10, 2015
The 29-year-old is in the last year of his contract, which has a cap hit of $4.5 million. There’s speculation he could be a trade target.
The Oilers (12-15-2) have won four straight. They host the Rangers Friday.
Related: All of a sudden, the Oilers are … playoff hopefuls?