2 more Oilers forwards ruled out with injury, team unable to make roster move

The Oilers revealed new adjusted lines at practice today with 11 forwards and 7 defenceman. That's not an unusual formation for Edmonton, but they won't be using it by choice.

Oilers insiders reported Knoblauch has ruled out the 2 forwards for at least the remainder of their current road trip - which is 3 more games.

To make matters worse, with Kapanen and Nugent-Hopkins on IR as well, the Oilers don't have the cap space to recall a forward.

Now missing a total of 4 players with injury, the Oilers struggling depth will be tested even more. The entire bottom six has combined for almost zero offence over the month of November - Zach Hyman was likely dropped to the 3rd line to give them a boost.

One player who should be given another look while the Oilers are dealing with these injuries is David Tomasek.

The Czech free agent signing has seen his roster spot slip away, and he could be on the verge of being cut in the near future. However, he had some great showings early this season before Coach Knoblauch quickly demoted him to the bottom six. Especially with just 11 forwards, maybe Tomasek is mixed in higher up the lineup one more time.

The Oilers have a tough stretch of upcoming games that culminates in a Cup Final rematch in Florida before they return home to Edmonton. These next three games will be critical with the coach on the hot seat, and now some of the depth unavailable.