Edmonton Oilers Place Jesse Joensuu On Waivers

Nov 9, 2014; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers defenseman Michael Kostka (4) plays the puck as Edmonton Oilers left wing Jesse Joensuu (6) defends during the third period at Madison Square Garden. The Oilers defeated the Rangers 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports /

The Edmonton Oilers place Jesse Joensuu on waivers for reassingment to the AHL

Jesse Joensuu isn’t the fastest skater on the ice.

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With a bit of a ‘too big for his body’ air about him, the Finnish left wing is known for being a bit clunky and somewhat slow. He’ll probably never be able to make it as more than an effective fourth liner — and with four points (2G, 2A) in his last twenty games, he’s living up to that better than most could hope.

Too bad the Edmonton Oilers have placed the forward, selected in the second round of the 2006 NHL Entry Draft by the New York Islanders, on waivers — the team has announced that they intend to reassign Joensuu to their AHL affiliate, the Oklahoma City Barons.

Doesn’t sound like something you’d do for your franchise fourth liner.

Joensuu has been a healthy scratch in four of the last six games played by the Oilers, and sits on a -4 this far in the season.

With teams like the Carolina Hurricanes looking to add size to their lineup, it seems strange that the Oilers — who are far from known for their defensive prowess — would choose to reassign one of their bigger on-ice bodies. It could be that he’s only blocked nine shots on the season so far, and they’re looking for someone with a little bit more defensive presence to solidify the bottom six. It could also be that they’re looking to make a big move soon, and are clearing up the roster space for a new addition to the team.

Whatever the case may be, though, I don’t necessarily understand it — but at least Edmonton has done something. That’s more than we’ve been able to say so far this year.

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