Oilers insider updates tonight's expected lines, shares injury update on 2 players

The Oilers revealed some new look lines at practice, including a significant shakeup of defence pairs. Edmonton was practicing with 8 defenders on the ice, causing some confusion about their plan for deployment.

According to an update from Oilers insider Jason Gregor, Stecher is likely the player coming in to serve as the team's 7th defender.

Alec Regula participated in his 3rd straight practice with the team, but has yet to be cleared for a return to the lineup.

The 25 year old Regula became a big story for the Oilers during training camp, emerging as a serious option for the team as their 6th defenceman. He was injured by a hit from Evander Kane, and has missed his initial timeline for return but he should be back soon.

In addition, Gregor provided an injury update in forward Mattias Janmark. Initially ruled out with a minor issue, Janmark has now missed all 10 games so far this year. He's now expected back within the next 2 weeks.

There will be some hard roster decisions incoming when Regula, Janmark, Hyman, and Kapanen are all ready to make their returns to the lineup. Some current Oilers will need to be sent down, waived, or traded.

The Oilers will only continue to improve as their roster gets healthier, and hopefully it will be able to lift them to their full potential in the next few weeks.