Kris Knoblauch unveils new lines and power play units without Connor McDavid
As the Edmonton Oilers will be without their star player and captain for the foreseeable future, head coach Kris Knoblauch has made some adjustments to the roster during their first practice without him.
As per Liam McCormick of Oilers Daiy, the Oilers will be running with Podkolzin, Draisaitl, and Arvidsson as their first line. Jeff Skinner and Zach Hyman will play wing for Ryan Nugent-Hopkins on the second line. Noah Philp will make his NHL debut against Nashville playing as the fourth line centreman between Derek Ryan and Corey Perry.
Additionally, the Oilers special teams have taken a significant blow. Without their elite playmaker, Kris Knoblauch has shaken up the top power play unit, making the most of what he has at his current disposal.
The second power play unit looks equally as formidable as the newly formed first unit, and Viktor Arvidsson and Jeff Skinner have a golden opportunity to showcase their scoring prowess without their captain in the lineup.
As per Liam McCormick, Calvin Pickard will be the starting goaltender for the Oilers against the Predators as well.
Although Connor McDavid is out of the picture, there is a silver lining. The Oilers have the opportunity to develop newfound chemistry, while simultaneously proving to the rest of the NHL they're more than just one trick pony.
Do you believe Kris Knoblauch adjustments will be effective moving forward? Let us know in the poll down below and stay tuned to Oilers Insider for the latest news and updates from around the hockey world. We will continue to keep you informed on all of your favorite players and teams.
