Ahead of training camp, NHL analyst Nestor Quixtan has predicted that the Edmonton Oilers will end up placing forward Kasper Kapanen on waivers. The Edmonton Oilers made several changes up front this offseason <a href='https://www.hockeylatest.com/nhl/trades/edmonton-oilers-trade-evander-kane-to-vancouver-canucks' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>trading away Evander Kane and Viktor Arvidsson</a> while also have other players leave in free agency. This normally would leave the Oilers thin up front when it comes to options but several young players and free agents from overseas are expected to challenge for a roster spot. From top prospects Matt Savoie and Isaac Howard to European free agent additions David Tomasek and Josh Samanski competition for roster spots is expected to be tight. This has led Nestor Quixtan of Heavy Sports to believe that Oilers veteran forward Kasperi Kapanen will be the odd man out. <h3>NHL Analyst Believes The Edmonton Oilers Will Place Veteran Forward Kasperi Kapanen On Waivers</h3> When <a href='https://heavy.com/sports/nhl/edmonton-oilers/oilers-kapanen-waivers/' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>discussing Kapanen's future</a>, Quixtan mentions the value of good players on cheap contracts over those who are being paid more. They need to find role players on affordable contracts who can support the big guns atop the lineup. That's what Kapanen will need to do this season. If he can't, the Oilers will need to consider other options. The waiver wire is always active during the season. This is why he believes that Kapanen's biggest competition will be players like David Tomasek and Matt Savoie on those rookie or minimum scale deals. Kasperi Kapanen isn't the only veteran forward on an affordable deal. The Oilers also have David Tomasek in the depth chart. Tomasek is a European signing who's shown significant ability overseas. He scored 24 goals in 47 games in the Swedish league last season. Heading into training camp the focus for Stan Bowman and Kris Knoblauch will be on the fringes of the roster evaluating who gives the team the best chance to win while leaving salary cap flexibility for future moves. As those decisions are made, we will pass along all of the latest updates.