NHL’s Roster Plans Don’t Bode Well For Seth Griffith

With the NHL entering a strange season, the current plan for taxi squads and the location of AHL affiliates does not bode well for Wallaceburg’s Seth Griffith seeing NHL time this season.

The Edmonton Oilers have 17 forwards on one-way NHL contracts, including two veterans Alan Quine and Patrick Russell who are prime candidates to start as two of Edmonton’s 4-6 taxi squad members.

The problem in Edmonton for their minor league players, is that the Oilers’ farm team is located in Bakersfield, California. That means any player recalled would need to complete a 14-day quarantine upon recall. For Edmonton, this means they are more likely to utilize taxi squad players, while some teams will be able to freely use AHL players.

If there is light in this tunnel for Griffith, it’s that taxi squads for teams in Edmonton’s position will almost certainly keep more NHL-ready veterans rather than younger prospects. Griffith definitely fits into this category as a seasoned veteran with NHL experience.

This all depends on the health of the Oilers roster, and if an AHL season even begins, especially in markets who are not permitted fans.

Also, veteran players such as Griffith will have to clear waivers to move between the taxi squad and NHL.

Griffith has not played an NHL game in more than two years since suiting up in 21 games for the Buffalo Sabres during the 2017-2018 season.