Edmonton Oilers

Viktor Arvidsson Returns: Oilers Tweak Lines Versus Bruins

Viktor Arvidsson returns to the lineup for the Edmonton Oilers as they take on the Bruins. What does this mean for the foward mix?

by
Jim Parsons
December 19, 2024

After missing 15 games with an injury, Viktor Arvidsson is back in the Edmonton Oilers’ lineup tonight against the Boston Bruins. Arvidsson will slot in on the third line alongside Adam Henrique and Connor Brown, leading to some other lineup changes among the forward group.

The return of Arvidsson has shaken up the team’s line combinations, which had relied on Vasily Podkolzin and Kasperi Kapanen to fill gaps in his absence. With Arvidsson now in the mix, the Oilers have the potential to spread scoring threats more evenly across their lineup, a key consideration as they face the Bruins.

At practice, Edmonton’s lines featured Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Connor McDavid, and Zach Hyman on the top line, while Leon Draisaitl centered Podkolzin and Kapanen on the second. This has remained consistent over the last several games. It’s the bottom six where the changes seem the most pronounced.

On the fourth line, Jeff Skinner joined Mattias Janmark and Corey Perry, sparking fan debate about Skinner’s role and placement on the depth chart. Arvidsson will play on the third line hoping he can quickly get up to speed after missing some time.

Arvidsson and Hyman injury updates for the Oilers are both good news and bad news — Both Arvidsson and Hyman will play Thursday versus the Bruins despite recent injuries

Hyman Will Play, and Skinner Gets the Start for the Oilers

Hyman, sporting a full face shield and visible bruising from taking an Evan Bouchard slap shot to the face earlier in the week, will play through the injury. Meanwhile, Mattias Janmark’s role as the fourth-line center is drawing attention due to his career 38.7% face-off win rate.

In goal, Stuart Skinner gets the nod. He has played well for the Oilers but had a rough night against the Florida Panthers in a 6-5 loss.

The return of Arvidsson brings hope for more consistent forward production, but his performance, alongside a revamped lineup, will be a storyline as the Oilers aim to bounce back from an ugly rematch of the Stanley Cup Final. Edmonton wants to keep climbing the standings as they head into the break.

Fans are eager to see if Arvidsson’s return can help the team get back to their winning ways.

Next: Riled Up Fan Base Reacts to Evan Bouchard Trade Debate