Trade completed: Former Blackhawks defenseman receives major opportunity to resume NHL career

Stillman, now 27, is back on an NHL roster after a strong stretch in the minors, giving Edmonton some extra left-side insurance heading into a challenging part of the schedule.

Stillman signed a two-year, two-way contract with the Oilers this past July, adding experienced depth to a blue-line group that's seen plenty of changes this season. NHL Edmonton has been managing injuries and shuffling its defensive corps, and that's created a chance for the former Blackhawk to step into the NHL mix once again.

In Bakersfield, Stillman has been steady on the back end, accumulating seven points in 22 games and sitting among the top-scoring defensemen for the Condors. Fans have noticed his calm puck movement and ability to break up plays, which makes him a reliable third-pairing option on nights when the Oilers need to protect a lead or kill a penalty.

The recall gives Edmonton a familiar face with NHL experience, as Stillman has played 163 games at the NHL level with stops in Chicago, Vancouver, Buffalo, and Carolina before landing in Edmonton.

The Penguins and Oilers completed a goaltending swap trade today, which also saw defenseman Brett Kulak depart from Edmonton.

Stillman, who will fill the void of Kulak, will look to make the most of every shift, using his veteran know-how to complement a top-heavy Oilers roster. It's a quieter storyline, but one with real impact on Edmonton's depth and resilience.