Edmonton Oilers Practice Notes: Eberle, Davidson and More
The Edmonton Oilers kicked off Wednesday’s practice with multiple changes to the lineup before they take on Boston Thursday.
There were multiple modifications, including promotions and demotions, possible injuries and more to know prior to puck drop against the Bruins.
Eberle Demoted
Jordan Eberle moved down to the third line right wing after struggling on the top unit so far this season. He hasn’t been able to make many of his shots on net, and often misses or has his shots blocked.
With this move, Leon Draisaitl moved back up to the top unit with Patrick Maroon and Connor McDavid. By the same token, Zack Kassian slots in on the second-line wing along Milan Lucic and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins.
Lander Replaces Hendricks
The Oilers recalled Anton Lander from the Bakersfield Condors Monday and reassigned Taylor Beck. With Lander back, he has drawn back in in place of Matt Hendricks, who had a tough game Tuesday.
Lander had reasonable scoring success in Bakersfield, posting 10 goals and 21 assists in 13 AHL games. He will get a shot at redeeming himself by replacing Hendricks on the fourth line.
Hendricks/Pouliot Shuffling Spots
As Hendricks draws out on the fourth line, he is rotating spots on the third line LW with Benoit Pouliot. Both wingers have struggled this season, and both are at risk of losing their roster spots. With that being said, the veterans will have to step up their games and likely compete against each other.
With that being said, the veterans will have to step up their games and likely compete against each other for a spot in the lineup.
Puljujarvi Here to Stay?
The 40th NHL game marks the last game that a player can play before burning up a year of an RFA season. If Edmonton dresses Puljujarvi Thursday, he will have only two years remaining on his contract.
With that in mind, it looks like the Finnish winger will either stay or later head down to the AHL. Either way, he will have burned up the first year of his ELC.
Next: Edmonton Oilers: What Went Wrong in Loss to Columbus
Davidson Absent
Brandon Davidson was absent from practice Wednesday, and could possibly be out of the lineup Thursday against Boston. It is unclear whether or not he’s reinjured himself; earlier this season, he was held out of the lineup with a shoulder injury.
Since returning, he has worked up to becoming the defenseman he was last season. In his place, the pairings will look like Sekera-Benning, Klefbom-Larsson and Russell-Gryba.