Multiple Oilers absent from practice, Coach Knoblauch shakes up lineup

In addition, Jeff Skinner projects to come out of the lineup as a healthy scratch once again with McDavid's return from suspension. Defenceman Alec Regula is also in the lineup for the first time after practicing this week.

At this point the reasons for the Oilers' absences are unknown, but it's possible that none will be available for tonight's game against the Seattle Kraken. With these absences, the first line is loaded up with McDavid and Draisaitl.

Adam Henrique will move up to center the second line still with Podkolzin and Arvidsson, and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins will be bumped down to drive a third line of his own with Janmark and Brown. The fourth line now features Corey Perry as Skinner is bumped out.

With Darnell Nurse absent, the Oilers ran with Brett Kulak as the team's first pair defenceman alongside Evan Bouchard. Alec Regula drew in on the third pairing.

Hopefully Stuart Skinner and Darnell Nurse will be available for tonight's game, but if not, the Oilers seem prepared to roll with a debut for Alec Regula and a deserved look for Kulak on the top pair.

The Oilers did have an emergency goalie at practice, which further hints that Skinner may be unavailable tonight or in the near future.

The healthy scratch for Jeff Skinner surely is a poor sign for his prospects of getting back into the lineup and making a difference for the team soon. If he continues to be a healthy scratch, perhaps he'll be persuaded to waive his no move clause.

The Edmonton Oilers take on the Seattle Kraken tonight on home ice looking to maintain their lead on the Pacific Division, and of course, welcoming Connor McDavid back to the lineup after suspension.