Reviewing Edmonton Oilers' latest set of roster releases: Have last year's Stanley Cup finalists made correct roster cuts?

The Edmonton Oilers and their fans may still feel the sting of their heartbreaking loss to the Florida Panthers in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final this past spring, but the time has come to turn the page.

The Oilers have completed their exhibition schedule with a pedestrian three wins in eight tune-up games, but the good news is that none of that matters in the standings.

The Oilers' regular season begins on Wednesday evening at Rogers Place. Ahead of their impending matchup against the Winnipeg Jets, the Oilers management has made more roster moves to get down to the mandated limit.

All 32 NHL clubs must submit their opening-night rosters by Monday, and the Oilers appear to be set with their team. Who are the players the Edmonton Oilers have waived?

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Reviewing Edmonton Oilers' latest set of roster releases: Have last year's Stanley Cup finalists made correct roster cuts?

Loaned to the American Hockey League: Noah Philp

After playing 70 games in the AHL during the 2022-23 campaign, Philp sat out last season due to personal reasons. While he impressed during the exhibition schedule, the Edmonton Oilers felt that he'd benefit from more playing time with the Condors rather than playing sparingly with them.

It was a difficult choice for the Oilers in the words of coach Kris Knoblauch, who believes it's only a matter of time before Philip returns to the NHL:

“Of all the players who came in here and made a positive impression, he was definitely on top of that list," he said.

"You know, I just think it’s important that he goes down and plays significant minutes for a while. He’ll determine when he comes back and joins us.”

Waived: Goaltender Olivier Rodrigue

Rodrigue didn't impress during the Edmonton Oilers' setback against the Seattle Kraken, allowing four goals on five shots in a disappointing second-period stretch that included surrendering two goals in over 30 seconds of play.

Selected by the Oilers with the 62nd pick in the 2018 NHL Draft, Rodrigue will be sent to the American Hockey League affiliate Bakersfield Condors if he goes unclaimed.

In 37 games with the Condors last season, he amassed a 19-12-5 record with a 2.73 goals-against average and a .916 save percentage.

Waived: Defenseman Josh Brown

Originally taken with the 162nd overall pick in the 2013 NHL Draft by the Panthers, Brown is a veteran of 260 career games. His career has seen him suit up with Florida along with the Ottawa Senators, Boston Bruins and the Arizona Coyotes.

He was limited to just 53 games last season with the Coyotes, scoring four goals with three assists.

Brown signed with the Oilers this offseason, a three-year pact worth $3 million. But in the eyes of management, he didn't do enough during exhibition play to earn a roster spot. He will join the Condors in the AHL if he goes unclaimed.

Waived: Forward Raphael Lavoie

Taken with the 38th overall pick by the Oilers in the 2019 NHL Draft, Lavoie has played the overwhelming majority of his professional career in the American Hockey League.

He has appeared in seven NHL games with the Oilers, going pointless, taking a single minor penalty.

Waived: Forward Drake Caggiula

A veteran forward with nearly 300 games of NHL experience, Caggiula is in his second tour of duty with the team with whom he had begun his career.

Signed by the Edmonton Oilers as an undrafted free agent in May 2016, he'd play two and a half seasons in Edmonton before being traded to the Chicago Blackhawks in December 2018. He has since played with the Arizona Coyotes, Buffalo Sabres and Pittsburgh Penguins.

He spent last season in the AHL with the Condors, scoring 13 goals with 24 assists in 43 games.