Customize Consent Preferences

We use cookies to help you navigate efficiently and perform certain functions. You will find detailed information about all cookies under each consent category below.

The cookies that are categorized as "Necessary" are stored on your browser as they are essential for enabling the basic functionalities of the site. ... 

Always Active

Necessary cookies are required to enable the basic features of this site, such as providing secure log-in or adjusting your consent preferences. These cookies do not store any personally identifiable data.

No cookies to display.

Functional cookies help perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collecting feedback, and other third-party features.

No cookies to display.

Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics such as the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.

No cookies to display.

Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.

No cookies to display.

Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with customized advertisements based on the pages you visited previously and to analyze the effectiveness of the ad campaigns.

No cookies to display.

Oilers’ Coach Provides Insight into Selection of Preseason Lineup Against Jets

Oilers' Coach Explains Preseason Lineup Choice vs. Jets


Following a couple of preseason losses in a split-squad set of games against the Calgary Flames, the Edmonton Oilers are going with an interesting lineup for Wednesday’s matchup against the Winnipeg Jets. With few regular-season starters in the lineup, tonight seems to be about testing out fourth-line centers.

Sports 1440’s Jason Gregor tweeted, “Fourth line battle will be on display in Winnipeg tonight. [James} Hamblin, [Lane] Pederson and [Noah] Philp will play centre. [Derek] Ryan is also dressed and will start on Hamblin’s wing, but Knoblauch said he will move lines around during the game.”

Head coach Kris Knoblauch spoke with the media after practice and said that he feels like all four players can be NHL centermen this or next season, but the team needs to take a closer look and make some assessments. “It’s a good test for all of them, we’ll see how they play.”

Ryan has the edge based on his experience, but Philp has shown well so far in preseason. Likely on the outside looking in for a spot, he’s making a case to be considered.

Which Regulars Will Play for the Oilers?

As for the regulars that might get in, forwards Viktor Arvidsson, Connor Brown, and Mattias Janmark were non-participants at this morning’s skate at Rogers Place, so that’s a hint they might play tonight. Goaltender Stuart Skinner didn’t participate either, meaning he could see his first pre-season action of 2024-25.

Connor Brown of the Edmonton Oilers

The Jets will have several regulars in the lineup versus the Oilers. Jon Lu posted that Kyle Connor, Mark Scheifele, Gabriel Vilardi, Nikolaj Ehlers, Josh Morrissey and Dylan DeMelo, among others, will all be playing.

Next: Early Preseason Reaction: Josh Brown the Oilers 2024-25 New Whipping Boy