Oilers activate Yamamoto from IR, loan Holloway and Desharnais to AHL

The Edmonton Oilers have activated forward Kailer Yamamoto from injured reserve, with the forward expected to play for the first time since Jan. 11 Friday against the New York Rangers.

To make room for Yamamoto’s $3.1-million cap hit, the Oilers have loaned forward Dylan Holloway and defenceman Vincent Desharnais to AHL affiliate Bakersfield. Neither Holloway nor Desharnais requires waivers.

The move comes after expectations the Oilers would waive forward Jesse Puljujarvi to make room for Yamamoto. Now both players will likely be in the lineup Friday.

Yamamoto, 24, is returning from an undisclosed injury. He has four goals and eight assists through 31 games so far this season.

Holloway, 21, has been a regular in the Oilers lineup this season. The rookie has three goals and six assists in 51 games.

Desharnais began the season in Bakersfield, but made his NHL debut with the Oilers as a 26-year-old on Jan. 11 and stayed with the NHL club until Friday. The defensive blueliner has four assists in 12 NHL games.

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