Oilers fan favourite finally slotted to return to the lineup

Today at practice, Oilers coach Knoblauch finally relented on a lineup move that fans have been calling for in recent weeks - veteran forward Sam Gagner will return to game action on the fourth line against his former team in the Detroit Red Wings tomorrow night.

Since Corey Perry entered the lineup before the All Star Break against the Nashville Predators, Gagner has found himself in the press box despite being a quality contributor with very limited opportunities. In 22 games this season with only fourth line minutes, Gagner has scored an incredibly impressive five goals and ten points.

With the Oilers struggling to find depth scoring in recent games, especially apparent against quality teams like Vegas and LA, Knoblauch must see some value in bringing back Gagner into the lineup to try to produce on the fourth line.


Mattias Janmark will draw out for Gagner against Detroit tomorrow night. It's could've also plausibly been Connor Brown, who still hasn't scored a goal this season. Perhaps with Gagner's offensive ability and with sheltered opportunities against the other team's weakest players, Gagner will be able to get Brown going offensively - even get him to score his first goal of the year.