First lines emerge from Edmonton Oilers training camp

Preseason games will begin with split-squad action on September 21st against the Calgary Flames, giving the Oilers just a few days to ramp up and prepare.

While the lineups from the first day of training camp largely have no significant meaning, they are the initial pairings the coaching staff wants to experiment with.

From the Oilers first group hitting the ice today, the first two forward and defence lines could have some significance.

McDavid is playing alongside Tomasek and Mangiapane which could be a new setup for the first line. Nugent-Hopkins with Henrique and Savoie potentially looks like a well-rounded third line.

The Oilers' captain raved about the pace of practice to the media afterward - even implying it was much better than last season.

On defence seeing Ekholm and Bouchard together is usual, but seeing Stecher with Stillman could hint that he's on the outside looking in. Analysts have suggested Stecher could be at risk of waivers this year.

More information will be revealed when Group 2 hits the ice for practice later today. Their group will likely include the second forward line with Draisaitl, Podkolzin, and another winger - as well as the team's prospective 4th line and more defence pairings.

When the Oilers do return to games on the 21st, they'll be split among the two separate groups.

For now, Oilers fans will be thrilled enough just to see that the players are finally back on the ice, and ready for another march back to the Cup finals.