Top Oilers insider shares new projected lineup after Isaac Howard trade

Howard was refusing to sign with the Tampa Bay Lightning, not seeing an opportunity for NHL ice time with the team. The Oilers added to their trade offer and gave up quality prospect Sam O'Reilly to trade for and sign Howard - meaning they're okay with his ice time requests.

Top Oilers insider Bob Stauffer sees Howard lining up on the first line alongside McDavid and Hyman, while Nugent-Hopkins gets jumped down to the third line. It's a monstrous change, and shows just how highly they think of Howard.

Matthew Savoie will also play a key role next season, expected to make the team after a great breakout year in the AHL. Trent Frederic will be fully healthy after a disappointing playoffs, and will see an elevated role too.

The Oilers overall forward depth is really beginning to take shape, but also sees some quality veteran pushed into roles they may not enjoy.

Adam Henrique falling to the fourth line at $3.25M isn't ideal, and Mattias Janmark could easily be replaced as well. David Tomasek, currently projected as a healthy scratch, was a high-profile European signing that will surely get NHL time.

Stauffer also hinted that the likes would be subject to change, potentially hinting at another coming trade - maybe involving Janmark or Henrique.

The Oilers lineup is beginning to look complete, although much different from last year. With an infusion of skilled rookies, the Oilers could go through some growing pains - but have also raised their ceiling and now have cost-controlled young talents for years. Maybe, one of these players will become a star.