NHL veteran Martin Gerber assigned to Barons; OKC trims training camp roster

The Barons also reduced their training camp roster by 12 in advance of Saturday's preseason game in Cedar Park, Texas.

Both goaltender Martin Gerber and defenseman Sheldon Souray cleared waivers Friday morning, but only Gerber was assigned immediately to the Barons.

The Oilers are still holding out hope of trading Souray, who has two years remaining on his contract, before the Oct. 6 deadline for setting their NHL roster.

"It's status quo," Oilers general manager Steve Tambellini told the Edmonton Journal. "I'm still hoping I can get something done before roster day."

Souray also cleared waivers over the summer after criticizing Oilers management and asking for a trade late in the season.

Tambellini said Souray would play somewhere if a trade can't be worked out.

"I don't anticipate him coming here but you never know," Barons coach Todd Nelson said after Thursday's intrasquad scrimmage.

Gerber, though, will be heading to the Barons.

The 36-year-old had a solid camp with the Oilers after playing in Russia last season.

He gave up one goal in 36 shots in 64 minutes for the Oilers during preseason, but Edmonton narrowed down its choices for backup goaltender to Devan Dubnyk and Jeff Deslauriers.

After Friday morning's practice, the Barons trimmed their roster by 12.

As expected, both former Blazers, defensemen Tyler Fleck and Stacy Bauman, were among the first cuts made. Fleck had been in camp throughout, but Bauman was brought in Thursday to give the team some depth on the blue line. Justin DaCosta and Steven Vanoosten, defensemen who spent last season with the Oilers' ECHL affiliate in Stockton, were also let go.