Edmonton Oilers debut brand new lines in the absence of Connor McDavid

This afternoon the Edmonton Oilers revealed their new combinations that they plan to use in the absence of superstar Connor McDavid.

This week the Edmonton Oilers suffered a major setback losing forward Connor McDavid to a lower-body injury. After initial testing, it was revealed Connor McDavid avoided major damage but will still be out for several weeks due to the injury.

With Connor McDavid out of the lineup, the Edmonton Oilers will now need to get creative to fill the massive hole he left with his injury. Today we got our first glimpse of what the Edmonton Oilers plan is going forward. Offseason signee Jeff Skinner will get bumped up into the top six while Leon Draisaitl and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins will now be the top two centers.

Leon Draisaitl's line with Vasily Podkolzin and Viktor Arvidsson is expected to take over as the top line going forward. In addition, Noah Philp who was recently called up is expected to make his NHL debut playing on the fourth line.

Beyond the lineup changes due to Connor McDavid's injury, the Edmonton Oilers are also making another big switch as well. According to reports the Oilers are also making a goaltending change going with Calvin Pickard.

Oilers make a change in goal ahead of their game against the Predators

That decision comes after Stuart Skinner struggled mightily during the Oilers' recent loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets. Beyond that frustrating game, Stuart Skinner has underperformed which could lead to a permanent change if Calvin Pickard plays well.

To this point in the season, Stuart Skinner has played under expectations in virtually every single game so far. This has led to major criticism from fans who obviously want more from him and the team overall.

The Edmonton Oilers will play against the Nashville Predators tomorrow night in Nashville. This will be the first time we see how the Oilers hold up without Connor McDavid in the lineup. With Connor McDavid out the Edmonton Oilers will now need other veterans getting opportunities like Jeff Skinner and Zach Hyman to step up big time.

As the game approaches, we will continue to follow developments that take place regarding the lineup and how the Edmonton Oilers plan of attack without Connor McDavid in the lineup.

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