It appears that Kasperi Kapanen will be a healthy scratch tonight in favor of Jeff Skinner, as Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch changed around line combinations. <a href='https://oilersnation.com/news/oilers-game-notes-edmonton-road-trip-sabres' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>The Edmonton Oilers have landed in Buffalo</a> to kick off a four-game road trip against the Sabres, debuting a slightly adjusted lineup at morning skate. Veteran forward Jeff Skinner, who has been a healthy scratch for the past three games, will finally return to action against his former team, as Coach Knoblauch slots him back into the lineup. Oilers insider Bob Stauffer says <a href='https://www.nhl.com/oilers/player/jeff-skinner-8475784' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>Skinner</a> will take Kasperi Kapanen's place, who is a scratch for tonight's game. Injury-wise, Mattias Ekholm and John Klingberg are still out. Ekholm, who has been out since January, has been shut down for the time being, but the fact that he is on the road trip is a positive sign for his eventual return. <h3>Newcomer Jake Walman will be on the first defensive pairing</h3> With Ekholm unavailable, Jake Walman is getting a big chance, replacing the Oilers' top blue line pairing with Evan Bouchard. Walman impressed in his first game with the club, offering sound defensive play, physicality, and accurate passing. RNH-McDavid-Hyman Podkolzin-Draisaitl-Arvidsson J. Skinner-Janmark-Brown Jones-Henrique-Perry Kapanen Walman-Bouchard Nurse-Stecher Kulak-Emberson S. Skinner Pickard <div align='center' class='pl20 pr20'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/Bob_Stauffer/status/1899121445986603257'> </a></blockquote></div> Skinner, despite performing well since the New Year, <a href='https://www.hockeylatest.com/nhl-team/edmonton-oilers/edmonton-oilers-gm-stan-bowman-reveals-jeff-skinner-future-with-the-team-in-a-new-interview' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>has found himself on the outside looking in</a> when it comes to Knoblauch's lineup decisions. At 32, the proven goal scorer has seemingly been overlooked in favor of other struggling veteran forwards. There is little evidence that Skinner is a part of the coach's long-term playoff plans, but at the very least, he will get a chance to suit up against his former club tonight. It doesn't feel like a turning point, but more like a token appearance. Hopefully, the Oilers can start their road trip off on the right foot, and Skinner can make the most of this opportunity against Buffalo.