Oilers significantly shake up lineup, healthy scratch could hint at trade deadline plans

Earlier this season, Oilers insider Bob Stauffer mentioned Mattias Janmark as a possible trade candidate at the deadline. Being healthy scratched isn't a good sign for Janmark.

The Oilers will significantly shake up their lineup for today's game against Washington. McDavid is on a new-look first line with Podkolzin and Kapanen, while Draisaitl is with Perry and Savoie.

The bottom six is stacked with talent, featuring Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Zach Hyman, and Viktor Arvidsson on the third line - which should be a dominant trio against depth talent.

However, this significant lineup change is a clear message being sent from the coach to the roster that everyone must be better than they were yesterday.

Mattias Janmark being named the healthy scratch is a poor sign for his future with the team, as Bob Stauffer earlier mentioned him as a trade candidate when Evander Kane returns. According to recent reports, Evander Kane may be back before the playoffs.

The 32 year old Janmark is signed to a three year contract at $1.45M, and he has just 6 goals in his last 127 games with the team.

Fans can be rightfully frustrated with the total lack of offensive production from Janmark, but he is also an integral penalty killer for the team, and carved out a great role last playoffs.

Kasperi Kapanen was a healthy scratch yesterday too, and it's equally possible that he doesn't find himself on the Oilers past the trade deadline. If Evander Kane returns, any trade the Oilers make will need to be dollar-in, dollar-out, and dealing from the position of strength on the wings makes the most sense.

There's just six games left before the trade deadline and the Oilers are still trying out interesting new lineups, including their top prospect Matthew Savoie.

Every move between now and the trade deadline will have some significance as the Oilers chart their course forward to win the Stanley Cup.