Rob Schremp's tenure with the Edmonton Oilers has officially come to an end.
A day after being waived by the club, the forward was claimed by the New York Islanders yesterday.
"I didn't get to know him very well, but from the short time I was around him, I found him to be a real positive individual whose attitude was terrific," said Oilers head coach Pat Quinn.
"He bumped into some numbers here with guys that have a real high skill level. But it's good to see that he'll get a chance to play at the top level, so we're happy for him."
Schremp, 23, was the Oilers' second pick in the first round -- 25th overall -- behind goaltender Devan Dubnyk in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft.
Once considered one of the team's top prospects after having scored 57 goals in his final year of junior with the London Knights, Schremp was unable to make enough of an impression to stick in Edmonton.
Last season, the native of Syracuse, N.Y., struggled with the Oilers' AHL affiliate in Springfield, Mass., scoring just seven goals in 69 games.
"I'm happy for him that he's going to get a chance to play some games in the NHL and he'll hopefully stay there," said Oilers GM Steve Tambellini.
"That's what waivers are for. He wasn't able to crack this lineup because there are a number of players around his age with a similar skill set. But maybe he'll get a better chance with another team."
DEREK.VANDIEST@SUNMEDIA.CA
