Oilers fans not happy with coach's decision to scratch young forward over struggling veteran

The Oilers revealed their new combinations at practice today with Roslovic entering the lineup, but that evidently spelled bad news for Noah Philp - who didn't deserve to be the first healthy scratch.

The Edmonton Oilers are looking to get younger and faster this season, and Noah Philp can be a part of that equation in the bottom six.

In the first few games of the season, Philp's anchored a successful 3rd line, shown some speed and two-way ability. Last game, he scored his first NHL goal past Thatcher Demko with a quick release wrist shot.

Pulling Philp out of the lineup considering his early season success and future with the team seems like a strange choice from the coach - especially when the struggling veteran Adam Henrique is taking the 4th line job.

Henrique has been fine to start the season, but at 35 years old, he's no longer the player he once was. Philp is likely the better fit as a 4th line center long-term, but Henrique has the veteran's priority.

Plenty of Oilers fans and analysts are puzzled by the decision to scratch Philp and play Henrique.

Some fans have noted that Henrique is currently sitting at 995 career NHL games played, and it's possible he gets scratched after reaching the 1000 game threshold.

As of now, it's a good problem that the Oilers have a surplus of quality NHL forwards - but they'll soon have to make decisions on who they can keep, and who may have to go.