Oilers unveil new lineup at practice, with Ekholm absent and veterans scratched
The Edmonton Oilers have just taken the ice for practice before today's game against the Minnesota Wild, with a slightly new lineup and a potential injury to Mattias Ekholm.
Prospect Noah Philp was recalled from the Oilers AHL team, and will get into the lineup as the fourth line center tonight.
Mattias Ekholm Absent From Practice, Jeff Skinner and Derek Ryan Scratched in Oilers new lineup
According to Oilers reporter Tony Brar, the lineup for tonight's game will be as follows:
No further information is known yet about Ekholm's injury, but the Oilers will surely update his condition after practice. If Ekholm is missing time, Josh Brown may be staying with the team.
UPDATED: Coach Knoblauch revealed after practice that Mattias Ekholm is dealing with a minor injury, and is considered a game time decision.
It's shocking to see Jeff Skinner scratched for a third straight game, as well. After being bumped down to the fourth line all season, it's clear that Skinner just doesn't fit with the Oilers.
Earlier this season, former Oiler Jason Strudwick said the team and Skinner could work together to facilitate a trade to a contending team.
- Jason Strudwick
With multiple healthy scratches in a row, it should be a certainty that the Oilers are trying to clear his $3M cap hit, and allow him a fresh start elsewhere. If they're scratching him, they may even be close to a trade.
The 26 year old right shot centreman Noah Philp could be the Oilers' playoff option on the 4th line, and according to Bob Stauffer, the team is going to give him an extended run to prove himself.
From now until the March 7th trade deadline, the Oilers will be able to evaluate Philp to see if he can be a playoff player, or if the team needs to trade to upgrade the 4th line.
Tonight's game against the Minnesota Wild will be a solid test for tonight's new lineup. Hopefully the Oilers can come out with a win, and Philp begins to make his case to stay on the team.
