Sun Mar 23 01:40:00 UTC 2025: ## Oilers Face Kraken Without McDavid and Draisaitl; Roster Shakeup Ensues
**EDMONTON, AB** – The Edmonton Oilers will face the Seattle Kraken on Saturday night without their star players, Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, who are sidelined due to injury. This absence will force significant changes to the Oilers’ lineup, providing an opportunity for other players to step up and fill the void.
Head Coach Kris Knoblauch acknowledged the impact of McDavid and Draisaitl’s absence, stating that a “collective effort” will be needed from all four lines. The team will rely heavily on players like Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, who will anchor the top line alongside Evander Kane and Elias Lindholm, forming the only unchanged line from Thursday’s game.
Other notable lineup changes include Adam Henrique joining Corey Perry and Zach Hyman in a top-six role, and Jeff Skinner centering a line with Mattias Janmark and Connor Brown. Derek Ryan returns to the lineup after a spell on the sidelines, bolstering the fourth line.
Knoblauch expressed optimism about the opportunity for increased ice time and responsibility for other players. “The more somebody plays, the more they feel like they’re part of the game,” he said, highlighting the potential for growth and increased confidence ahead of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The power play will also see alterations, with players like Arvidsson and Skinner taking on more prominent roles.
On the defensive side, Ty Emberson will be a healthy scratch for the third consecutive game, with the current six-man defensive group performing well. Goaltender Stuart Skinner will start, despite leaving Thursday’s game early due to a head injury. Skinner has been cleared to play.
The Oilers are hoping this challenge will galvanize the team and showcase the depth of their roster. The game against the Kraken presents a significant test, and how the Oilers perform in the absence of their two superstars will be a key indicator of their playoff readiness.
First Piper 