Oilers reveal lineup at practice with McDavid suspension, Klingberg joining team
The Edmonton Oilers took to the ice for practice today with a few changes to their lineup involving Jeff Skinner and John Klingberg, as well as preparing for McDavid to miss time with a suspension.
Klingberg joined the team for his first practice with the Oilers, and is expected to skate a few times with the team before entering the lineup.
Edmonton Oilers adjust lineup, promoting Jeff Skinner but without Klingberg and McDavid
According to Oilers reporter Bob Stauffer at practice, the lineup for today featured Jeff Skinned promoted to the third line, and Klingberg skating as an extra.
It's significant to see Skinner get a little elevation to the third line after a few straight healthy scratches. However, still the most likely outcome appears to be a trade at the deadline to clear his $3M in salary cap.
Although Connor McDavid was in the lineup on the first line, it's expected he'll miss at least one game with an upcoming suspension. Oilers insider Jason Gregor believes Nuge will shift to center, and Kapanen will draw into the lineup.
John Klingberg joins Oilers practice, meets with the media
Perhaps the highlight for Oilers practice was the arrival of defenceman John Klingberg, who will wear number 36 for the team and skated in Edmonton for the first time.
Fans and media were actually pleasantly surprised with how well Klingberg appeared to be moving.
When speaking to the media after practice, Klingberg stressed that he actually feels healthier than he was in the last few years of his career, which could significantly help his mobility and his defensive play.
It'll still be at least a week of practicing before Klingberg joins the Oilers in action, but considering that he's been skating for months, he shouldn't be far away.
Hopefully when he does get back into the lineup, Klingberg can play his best possible hockey, and perhaps save the Oilers from trading for a top four defenceman at the deadline - instead adding elsewhere.
