Kris Knoblauch hints at several lineup changes for the Edmonton Oilers this season

The Edmonton Oilers have a lineup full of veterans, but now, Head Coach Kris Knoblauch has made it clear that there could be some big changes coming.

After reaching the Stanley Cup Finals and coming one game away from glory a year ago, the Edmonton Oilers now need to take the final step in 2024/25, and with their roster, optimism is high in Edmonton. However, one criticism they've been constantly told is that their lineup is too reliant on veterans, something that Head Coach Kris Knoblauch is seemingly fully aware of.

In a recent interview, the young Head Coach hinted that some changes could be on the way soon, name dropping tenacity and speed as key traits they are looking for to add, presumably to the bottom-six.

Looking at their lineup, it's easy to speculate that it's Derek Ryan and Corey Perry that bring the lack of speed the Oilers are looking for, and with standout young names like Noah Philp and James Hamblin fitting the bill, we could see some big debuts for Edmonton this season. Along with those two, standout prospect Vasily Podkolzin also remains a distinct possibility, but after impressing so much in Oilers training camp, it appears he may already have a spot on the roster.

Late in the season, it was clear that the Oilers bottom-six were slowing down quite a bit, so while this doesn't mean a permanent demotion for Ryan, Perry or even Connor Brown, the team could play around with different options in their bottom-six, and it may simply mean a revolving door of players as the team look to find their perfect blend.

Source: Oilers Daily
Oilers coach Knoblauch comments hint towards lineup change with veteran players this season

Hockey Night in Canada panel believe Connor Bedard could no longer be a centerman for the Blackhawks

Oilers' Connor McDavid publicly bashes Taylor Swift during their game against the Leafs

Leafs' Ryan Reaves shockingly enters the Oilers locker room during the third period after ejection

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Ryan Reaves ejected against the Edmonton Oilers for a dirty hit on Darnell Nurse

Maple Leafs reporter believes the Leafs have a real chance to acquire Pittsburgh Penguins star Evgeni Malkin

Elliotte Friedman reveals the outrageous reason top NHL rookie Matvei Michkov was scratched by the Flyers

Maple Leafs make several surprising roster announcements for tonight's game against the Oilers

Evander Kane challenged Jake Paul to a fight: Is this the next big one after Mike Tyson?

Canadiens prospect goaltender punches player who scored on him and gets ejected: major suspension looming

Don Cherry believes the NHL should change one major rule to increase scoring across the league