The Edmonton Oilers surprised the NHL world today by plucking center Petr Nedved off re-entry waivers from the Philadelphia Flyers, sources told TSN.ca today.

Reports out of Philadelphia on Sunday and Ottawa today claimed Nedved would be claimed by the Senators; indeed, at one point there was a report claiming the Senators had claimed Nedved yesterday.

However, the Oilers got the jump on the Senators. Nedved had spent about a month with the Oilers late in the 2003-04 season, posting up an impressive 15 points in only 16 games. Oilers GM Kevin Lowe attempted to re-sign Nedved when he hit the 2004 UFA market but he signed instead with the Phoenix Coyotes.

Since the lockout Nedved has struggled to retain his previously high-scoring form. Injuries limited his effectiveness with the Coyotes, who dealt him to the Flyers mid-way through last season. He continued to struggle, blaming the coaching staff for utilizing him more in a checking role than in a scoring role.

It's an affordable gamble by the Oilers, as only 600K of his salary will count against their cap with the Flyers claiming the rest. Nedved could regain his offensive touch with the speedier Oilers, particularly if he hooks up with Petr Sykora and Ales Hemsky.

It also appears as though Lowe is setting up to make a move for the offensive blueliner his club's been lacking this season.

Lowe obviously won't shop Nedved as there's no market for him, but he could perhaps move one of his good young forwards to land the help he needs. Sykora and Ryan Smyth are unrestricted free agents this summer but it's unlikely Lowe will move them.

Another option could be Shawn Horcoff, who re-signed a three-year deal with the Oilers last summer worth $3.6 million this season but has struggled offensively since been taken off Hemsky's line.

Raffi Torres could also be an option, as he's a restricted free agent and his gritty style could attract considerable attention around the league.

As for the Senators, they'll either have to look elsewhere either via waiversor shopping around for a trade.  Otherwise, they'll look to within and hope they can carry on without Jason Spezza and Mike Fisher for the next four weeks.