Oilers announce two regulars scratched, two players will make team debut vs Montreal Canadiens
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The Edmonton Oilers are taking to the ice for practice before facing the Montreal Canadiens tonight on home ice, with Mattias Ekholm and John Klingberg unavailable.
In addition, the Oilers made a roster move last night to bring up two players, and both will make their debut with the Oilers tonight.
Oilers announce Mattias Ekholm and John Klingberg out, Max Jones and Cam Dineen in
According to Oilers reporter Tony Brar at practice, Max Jones and Cam Dineen will play tonight in the absence of their two veteran defenceman. In addition, Troy Stecher will get into tonight's game.
Max Jones will come in to play on the fourth line, with the Oilers scratching Jeff Skinner to make room. That's a harsh sign for the 32 year old veteran, who may be asked again to waive his no-move clause if the Oilers refuse to play him.
The Oilers announced yesterday that Mattias Ekholm is continuing to deal with an illness going back to the month of January, and could be shut down for some time to allow him to heal up. He's been able to play through the illness, but his play hasn't been up to his standard.
According to Coach Knoblauch, Klingberg is being held out with a minor injury. However, the Oilers may also be looking at moving him in a trade, or upgrading on him.
Klingberg has come as advertised to the Edmonton Oilers - a good passer, and an adventure when it comes to defensive play.
While the Oilers goalies are giving up any high-danger chance against, it's hard to ask a player like Klingberg to play top 4 minutes. The Oilers at least should be pursuing an upgrade on Klingberg.
The final game before the trade deadline, puck drops tonight against the Canadiens at 7:00MT in Edmonton.
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