A first look at the Edmonton Oilers lines under Jay Woodcroft

The Edmonton Oilers hit the ice Friday morning ahead of an evening matchup against the New York Islanders.

During that, we get our first look at how the Oilers will deploy its lines in its first game under Jay Woodcroft.

The most noticeable change is seeing Zach Hyman and Jesse Puljujarvi getting promoted to the top line. Both had found a spot on the third line alongside Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. Hard to argue with this one. Both players have familiarity with McDavid and are well deserving of the bump.

I like Kailer Yamamoto back alongside Leon Draisaitl. That’s where he’s had the most success in his young career, and the physical, shoot-first mentality Evander Kane brings can mesh well with these two.

Warren Foegele has been strong this year for the Oilers, and I like him alongside Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. Derek Ryan draws in on the right-wing, but I wouldn’t mind seeing a guy like Ryan McLeod or Tyler Benson up there.

But in the same breath, there’s a strong connection between McLeod and Benson from their Condors days. I’m excited to see what they do, despite what will be limited ice time.

On the backend, it’s hard to argue with the pairings. Edmonton’s left-side is obviously depleted without Duncan Keith and Kris Russell, so the slight changes make sense.