Medical controversy taking place in Edmonton?

Training camps across the National Hockey League have been opened and ongoing for the past few days, and already, it seems like there is a major controversy taking place in the dressing room of the Edmonton Oilers. Most teams have already been in action in different preseason contests, however, we can’t seem to look elsewhere than on the Oilers’ roster, when veteran Scottie Upshall is getting all of the attention. 

The 34-year-old, who will turn 35 on Oct. 7, was invited to Oilers camp on a professional tryout after spending the last three seasons with the St. Louis Blues. However, when he showed up in Edmonton, it was revealed that he failed the medicals. 

Sure it happens, however, there is a major twist in the story now, as it seems that Upshall is quite the fast healer… 

The veteran forward was cleared to skate with the full group at Edmonton Oilers training camp, head coach Todd McLellan told reporters on Monday.

“He’s worked hard to recover and deserves an opportunity to make this team,” McLellan said.

On Thursday, Sportsnet’s Mark Spector reported that Upshall failed his physical with the club and he would be unable to participate “for a few weeks,” rendering his opportunity with Edmonton “expired” for all intents and purposes.

The failed medical did reveal a knee injury that will prevent Upshall from participating in the coming weeks.

A few weeks has changed to a few days, and it seems like Upshall won’t let anything get in his way to make the team… However, is it the right decision for his long-term health? Who is hiding what here? Did Upshall manage to lie to the medical staff or his the coaching staff letting it go to make sure the veteran forward has a chance to crack the roster? 

In 63 appearances with the Blues last season, Upshall recorded seven goals and 12 assists.

If he comes back and gets a spot on the team, we are pretty sure the Oilers will nickname him the Fast Healer… 

That would be quite something… However, the Oilers could greatly benefit from having the veteran onboard so who knows what truly took place...