Oilers healthy scratching 2 veterans, sending down rookie forward to AHL

There were hints of big changes coming at practice yesterday with a restructuring of 3 forward lines, and now those changes look to be confirmed - along with another roster move.

At today's practice, the Oilers continued practicing with essentially the same lines. Mangiapane has fallen out for Mattias Janmark, but Trent Frederic also projects to be a healthy scratch for the 2nd time this year.

Additionally, Oilers insider Jason Gregor is reporting Quinn Hutson will be sent down to the AHL to activate Kapanen from LTIR.

Jake Walman is also back skating with the team, but still is about a week away from playing as per Coach Knoblauch yesterday.

With another scratch for Mangiapane, it's clear the Oilers will be moving quickly to trade him. There's interest from multiple teams on Mangiapane, and Elliotte Friedman has reported the Anaheim Ducks as one specific suitor.

Trent Frederic falling out of the lineup again is justified, and a major worry for the Edmonton Oilers. Not even halfway into year 1 of an 8 year contract, he's been one of the worst players in the NHL. Curtis Lazar really does look like a better 4th line centre option.

It's disappointing to see Quinn Hutson go back to the AHL again after very little opportunity in his first game. He's dominated the AHL this season and has even looked good in limited minutes with the Oilers.

It'll be interesting to see these new combinations tomorrow against Nashville, and to see if Frederic can respond to being scratched a second time this year.

The Oilers are still tied for first in their division, but have a long way to go to get themselves in form for another deep playoff run.

Also read on Edmonton Hockey Daily :
Top NHL insider suggests former Oiler could head back to Edmonton in Mangiapane trade