Oilers announce lineup for tonight's game, including debut of new line

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Liam McCormick
September 30, 2024 (1:05 PM)

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The Edmonton Oilers are playing another preseason game tonight at home against the Vancouver Canucks, and have released their roster.

Plenty of NHL regulars will now regularly be playing games with only a three preseason games left. Tonight's includes both Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, but the most exciting addition is the debut of the Oilers second line. Leon Draisaitl will be skating with Jeff Skinner and Victor Arvidsson.

The Oilers made a splash in free agency in the summer when they signed the two veteran wingers. Both Skinner and Arvidsson have been scoring near 30 goals each season in their career, and centered by Leon Draisaitl, it's possible they both could have career years. Just two seasons ago Jeff Skinner scored 35 goals and 82 points with the Buffalo Sabres - on an offensive juggernaut like the Oilers, Skinner could perhaps flirt with 40 goals. Arvidsson has had issues staying healthy, but has performed with consistency throughout his career.

Oilers fans have been highly anticipating the debut of this line, so much so that reporters began to ask when the new second line would hit the ice. Hopefully they'll be able to build some chemistry quickly.

There's a few other interesting notes in the lineup. Vasily Podkolzin has impressed the Oilers at training camp and is getting rewarded with some more ice time on the top line. Troy Stecher and Travis Dermott are both in the lineup, both battling for a roster spot as a depth defender. Earlier today, the Oilers released their other tryout candidate Mike Hoffman.

Tonight will be the Oilers third last preseason game before the regular season begins on October 9th. Many more roster decisions will have to be made before then for Knoblauch to dial in the opening night lineup, but tonight, Oilers fans get an exciting first look at their new second line.