What Happened
The Edmonton Oilers are changing their lineup for Saturday's game against the San Jose Sharks because of injuries. Defenceman Shakir Mukhamadullin replaces Jake Walman, who is injured. Up front, Filip Hallander will make his Oilers debut, while Max Jones comes out. Hallander was acquired from the Pittsburgh Penguins on Wednesday for defenceman Spencer Stastney. Edmonton is also missing forwards Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Zach Hyman, Matthew Savoie, Jason Dickinson and Mattias Janmark.
Key Details
- Jake Walman is out with an injury; Shakir Mukhamadullin takes his spot.
- Coach Mike Babcock wants a more assertive game from Mukhamadullin.
- Filip Hallander draws in for his Oilers debut; Max Jones comes out.
- Hallander was acquired from Pittsburgh on Wednesday for Spencer Stastney.
- Hallander, 26, had a goal and two assists in two games with Pittsburgh this season.
- Edmonton's injured forwards include Nugent-Hopkins, Hyman, Savoie, Dickinson and Janmark.
What It Means
Edmonton is patching its lineup on both ends while several regulars are unavailable. Mukhamadullin gets a look on defence with Walman sidelined, and Hallander steps in after the trade from Pittsburgh. The injuries up front have opened opportunities for depth players, and the game against San Jose is a chance for both newcomers to show what they can add.
What's Next
The Oilers face the Sharks on Saturday at 4 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. MT on Rogers Saturday Night Hockey. Walman's return timeline has not been reported, and the status of Edmonton's injured forwards remains unclear.