This is the second time Kemp has been called up by the Oilers, with the first time coming during last season’s fateful second round matchup with the Golden Knights. However, he didn’t see any ice time versus the eventual Stanley Cup champions.
Whether the 24-year-old will actually get to play during the three-game road trip remains to be seen. However, there is a good chance he will finally make his official NHL debut at some point in Chicago, Detroit or Montreal. (He did appear in four Oilers games during the preseason.)
The Edmonton Oilers are on a roll right now, winning seven straight and finally sitting in a playoff spot for the first time this season. As a result they headed out for their three-game road trip in good spirits, with them preparing to face the Blackhawks in Chicago on Tuesday night sans Connor Bedard, who has been placed on Injured Reserve with a fractured jaw.
For the AHL season as a whole, Kemp so far has five points — all assists — and a +5 rating in 26 games for the Condors. Last season saw him set a whole host of career highs, including 71 games, six goals, 15 assists, 21 overall points and a +12 rating.
The 2017 seventh round draft pick also incurred a single-season career high 51 penalty minutes. At 6 foot 3 and 212 pounds, he’s a physical presence who isn’t afraid to get stuck in.
In truth, Kemp has limited upside when it comes to what he potentially offers at the NHL level, but he has still earned his chance with the Oilers. He can remain on the roster for up to 10 games played or 30 days — whichever comes first — before needing to be placed on waivers prior to returning to the Condors.
