The Edmonton Oilers turned heads with their lineup choices ahead of a matchup against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Edmonton is coming off a 4-1 loss to the Montreal Canadiens, but they’ve still won four of their last six games and sit fourth in the Pacific Division at 15-12-6.
Still, it wasn’t the standings or recent results grabbing attention; it was how the Oilers lined up for this one.
Oilers’ Lines Spark Buzz Before Clash With Penguins
Edmonton skated with the following combinations at morning skate in Pittsburgh:
Forwards
- Ryan Nugent-Hopkins – Connor McDavid – Zach Hyman
- Vasily Podkolzin – Leon Draisaitl – Matthew Savoie
- Andrew Mangiapane – Adam Henrique – Mattias Janmark
- Trent Frederic – Curtis Lazar – Quinn Hutson
Defense
- Mattias Ekholm – Evan Bouchard
- Darnell Nurse – Alec Regula
- Spencer Stastney – Ty Emberson
Goaltender
- Tristan Jarry
The @EdmontonOilers morning skate in Pittsburgh:
RNH-McDavid-Hyman
Podkolzin-Draisaitl-Savoie
Mangiapane-Henrique-Janmark
Frederic-Lazar-HutsonEkholm-Bouchard
Nurse-Regula
Stastney-EmbersonJarry
— Bob Stauffer (@Bob_Stauffer) December 16, 2025
The most significant talking point was Quinn Hutson’s recall from Bakersfield. Despite leading all AHL rookies with 16 goals and 28 points, the Oilers placed him on the fourth line. This move drew quick criticism.
Many expected the young scorer to get a higher look in the lineup, especially given his offensive instincts. NHL analyst David Staples questioned the move, noting that Hutson profiles more as a finisher than a checking-line player.
He suggested, “Would it not have been a better idea to start him off on a line with Andrew Mangiapane and Adam Henrique, a line where he’s more likely to make combination plays with fellow higher skill attackers and get more than seven or eight minutes of ice time?”
Hutson himself admitted the call-up came as a surprise. He said he found out late Sunday night, right in the middle of the team’s Christmas party, and was on a flight by early Monday morning. Reflecting on his game, Hutson said, “I think just fewer mistakes, making clean plays and just playing harder every single game.”
Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch explained the decision, citing injuries, cap constraints, and the need for secondary scoring. “And so many guys playing so well in Bakersfield, the time right now is the good time as any,” Knoblauch said. He praised Hutson’s goal-scoring touch and two-way play in Bakersfield, calling this the right time to give him an opportunity.
Adding another layer to the storyline, Tristan Jarry gets the start against his former team, while ex-Oilers’ Stuart Skinner and Brett Kulak suit up for Pittsburgh. Whether the bold lineup decisions pay off remains to be seen.
