The trade deadline may be a few hours away, but most of the waves being felt are courtesy the waiver wire. Count Adam Cracknell among them, as he has just been claimed on waivers by the Edmonton Oilers.

Edmonton beat writers mused on the possibility there would be interest in Cracknell at Rexall Place and were proven right in their prognostications.

The Oilers had holes to fill following the Teddy Purcell and Justin Schultz trades over the weekend.

Originally part of the ‘Garage Sale 7’, Adam Cracknell was likely placed on waivers by the Canucks as they hoped to ‘paper’ him down to the AHL so that he would be available for them in the AHL playoffs. It was a move to give the Comets a veteran player with players like Chris Higgins and Brandon Prust being possibly moved.

It’s safe to assume that the Canucks did try to move Cracknell, and there wasn’t any interest thus this plan. It wasn’t an ill-advised plan as many players similar to Cracknell have cleared waivers throughout the season. However, it is unfortunate that they were unable to get an asset back for Cracknell.

With that all being said, Cracknell was ‘found money’ for the Canucks. Signed in late August for the league minimum, Cracknell came to camp and was able to secure a spot on the Canucks fourth line. He set new career highs in goals (5), assists (5), points (10) and games in one NHL season (44).

So it is unfortunate the Canucks were not able to squeeze anything from the trade market for the Cracknell, but it isn’t the end of the world. Hopefully, with the Oilers assuming the contract spot, the Canucks will use that newly found contract spot for a deal later today.