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Oilers Shake Up Lines, Put Zach Hyman with Surprising Pair

Originally posted on NHL Trade Talk | By Jim Parsons | Last updated Jan 3, 2025 2:44 PM ET

The Edmonton Oilers are making an interesting change ahead of Friday’s game versus the Anaheim Ducks. After a win versus the Utah Hockey Club, but an ugly showing against the Ducks earlier this week, head coach Kris Knoblauch made an unexpected lineup adjustment at practice. He has placed star forward Zach Hyman on the third line alongside Mattias Janmark and Kasperi Kapanen.

The move, designed to spread out goal-scoring across the lineup, is one that could spark Janmark into scoring more. It could also hurt Hyman’s ability to score — the winger has 10 goals in his last 11 games.

Is This The Right Move for the Oilers?

Will These New Line Combinations Help or Hurt Hyman?

Part of the reason for the change is that Ryan Nugent-Hopkins is back on the top line and Hyman being on his off wing is problematic. Hyman wound up being pushed down the lineup during the game against Utah, but it was a better fit in terms of positioning. The bonus with his change it that it brings a proven scoring touch to a line that has lacked offensive firepower. Knoblauch praised Janmark’s defensive reliability and strong five-on-five metrics. He figures he could use a little boost in the offensive production department.

“Janmark’s overall game is exceptional,” Knoblauch said. “He’s tremendous defensively and protects the puck well. We’re adding a goal scorer in Hyman to complement that, and we’ll see how it goes.”

Kapanen will be the third piece of that trio. He’s played well since being claimed off waivers from St. Louis. He has impressed with his speed and ability to play in several different positions.

Janmark Ready to Play Where He’s Told to Play

While Janmark acknowledged he’s less experienced at center, he knows he’s getting an opportunity to play with a goal scorer who pushes the play. Janmark is good to do what he’s asked, even if it’s not where he’s the most comfortable. “You play where the coach needs you,” Janmark said. “I’ll focus on skating, protecting the puck, and giving us the best chance to win.”

Nugent-Hopkins has returned to the top line with Connor McDavid and Connor Brown, who has been heating up offensively with nine points in his last nine games. Much of these changes are to give Brown an opportunity to really ramp up his offense after a string of solid outings. Now that he’s healthy, he noted he’s finding the kind of game he had when he was in Ottawa. That’s big for the Oilers, as Brown as 20-goal potential.

As for whether he’s worried about his line changes, Knoblauch isn’t. “Sometimes it’s good to switch things up,” he said. Not only that, but one of his strengths is adjusting on the fly. Knoblauch has a knack for finding the right mix of star players and hot players. He runs with his gut, and more often than not, it proves to be pretty accurate.

This article first appeared on NHL Trade Talk and was syndicated with permission.

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