Edmonton Oilers will see Mattias Ekholm return to the lineup. Expected to be paired with Evan Bouchard. The Edmonton Oilers are coming off of a much needed win against their provincial rivals - the Calgary Flames. They win the Heritage Classic by a commanding 5-2 score. Edmonton Oilers celebrate Heritage Classic Win. [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjAxODkyMTc5ODY4NjU2Nzk5/usatsi_21775235_168401874_lowres.jpg] Edmonton Oilers celebrate Heritage Classic Win. In the process they showed signs of the team they were last year. They had standout performances from Stuart Skinner, Connor McDavid, Evander Kane and Vincent Desharnais. In the wake of that win comes a couple changes to the bottom six. Adam Erne was put on waivers to go down to the minors in a move that Jay Woodcroft called "Erne paying the price for the group that hasn't produced." To go along with Erne being sent down, another name was called up. Many fans were clamoring for Raphael Lavoie. What they got, was someone who needed a new contract in order to facilitate a call-up. After a brief AHL stint, Sam Gagner is back up with the Oilers. In three games with the Bakersfield Condors he collected five points - more than proving he's ready for NHL minutes. Sam Gagner. [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjAxOTA2ODgyNjE1NDUyODMx/usatsi_13927193_168401874_lowres.jpg] Sam Gagner. We'll need to wait to see how the lines shake out for Thursday's game. My guess is that he replaces Erne as the 10th/11th forward should they go with the 11-7 formation. Visit the Striking Oil Podcast website Subscribe to the Striking Oil Podcast YouTube Channel Related: Sam Gagner Has Fascinating Relationship With Fellow Oiler Related: Bedard vs. McDavid Opportunity Botched by NHLÂ Related: Despite Win Oilers Could Make More Changes Related: Surprising Former Oiler Scores Breakaway Beauty
