Barons Keep Getting Bigger

Bruce Fedyck-US PRESSWIRE

Say it with me now: S-T-A-C-K-E-D. That’s the only word that can properly describe the Oklahoma City Barons of the American Hockey League. Already boasting a number of first- and second-round NHL draft picks, the Barons are getting another boost this weekend, as Taylor Hall signed and will make his OKC debut on Friday.

Hall’s delay in signing with the AHL squad comes from his recovery from a concussion as well as shoulder surgery. Now, however, he’s healed and ready to get back on the ice, despite the continuing NHL lockout.

Hall, 20, joins fellow Edmonton Oilers teammates Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Jordan Eberle on the Barons roster. With Hall’s addition, the team now holds six former first-round NHL draft picks, including two selected first overall, and five second-round draft choices.

The Barons also boast eleven players with some NHL experience. Aside from Hall, they’ve got goaltender Yann Danis (50 games), defenseman Alex Plante (9), winger Dane Byers (14) and center Chris Vandevelde (17). Youngsters Magnus Paajarvi (121), Nugent-Hopkins (62), Anton Lander (56), Teemu Hartikainen (29), and Eberle (147) also join the team after spending at least part of last season with the Oilers. Finally, ’77-born Josh Green (341 NHL games played) will suit up for the Barons again this season after spending the majority of last season with Oklahoma City.

Instead of donning his traditional #4, he’ll wear #22 in Oklahoma City and will make his AHL debut this weekend as the Barons host Houston on Friday and Saturday before visiting San Antonio Sunday.