Oilers insider reveals projected lineup vs Blue Jackets after Nugent-Hopkins injury

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins has been ruled out with an undisclosed injury for the next week. It's a major blow for Edmonton to lose one of their most consistent players - and tonight, they'll have lots to prove after a 9-1 loss.

According to Oilers insider Jason Gregor, the team expects to split up McDavid and Draisaitl on separate lines for tonight's game, and potentially for as long as Nuge is out.

Leon Draisaitl's line has produced the best results as a group so far this season, and they may be the new first line. Paired with Podkolzin bringing a physical two-way presence and Roslovic's offence, this line has been fantastic.

Connor McDavid will likely remain with Andrew Mangiapane, but a promotion for Matthew Savoie could finally be here. The rookie has been the Oilers' most consistent bottom six player, and deserves more opportunity.

In the bottom six, Czech free agent David Tomasek is expected to become a healthy scratch once again, with Curtis Lazar playing.

Stuart Skinner will get the start in net once again, looking to bounce back after being pulled against the Avalanche.

Tonight's game, even against a struggling team like the Blue Jackets, needs to be a statement for the Edmonton Oilers. This is a team that doesn't look capable of competing for a Stanley Cup right now, and that needs to turn around immediately.