Edmonton Oilers projected lineup ahead of the Golden Knights matchup, with injury concerns around Ekholm and Henrique shaping key game decisions.
The Oilers projected lineup vs Golden Knights reveals several late decisions as Edmonton prepares for a crucial Pacific Division clash on Sunday night. With two important standings points on the line, the team enters T-Mobile Arena facing uncertainty around key veterans while finalizing its lineup against Vegas.
Although the Oilers are coming off a disappointing loss earlier in the week, the focus has quickly shifted toward tightening their lineup and regaining momentum. Several lineup adjustments and potential absences could shape how Edmonton approaches this important matchup.
Injury Questions Surround Henrique and Ekholm
Edmonton’s lineup decisions may ultimately depend on the status of Adam Henrique and Mattias Ekholm, both listed as game-time decisions ahead of puck drop.
Ekholm’s availability appears particularly uncertain after he was the only Oilers skater missing from the morning pre-game skate. During line rushes, defenseman Spencer Stastney temporarily filled his spot alongside Evan Bouchard on the top defensive pairing. That adjustment suggests the coaching staff is preparing contingency plans if the Swedish blueliner cannot play.
Henrique, meanwhile, did participate in the skate and centered the fourth line between Colton Dach and Trent Frederic. While his presence at practice offers some optimism, Edmonton remains cautious about his status heading into the game.
To provide depth insurance, the Oilers recalled forward Josh Samanski from the AHL’s Bakersfield Condors. The call-up ensures the team has a ready replacement if Henrique is ultimately unable to suit up.
Forward Lines See Small Adjustments
Beyond the injury concerns, the Oilers have made a few subtle tweaks to their forward combinations as they search for better chemistry following Friday’s defeat to Carolina.
Vasily Podkolzin has returned to the second line alongside Leon Draisaitl and Jack Roslovic. The adjustment comes after Podkolzin and Matt Savoie briefly swapped spots in the previous game. Coaches appear to be testing different combinations to spark offensive consistency against a strong Vegas lineup.
Edmonton’s top line remains unchanged, with Ryan Nugent-Hopkins skating alongside Connor McDavid and Zach Hyman. The trio continues to serve as the Oilers’ primary offensive engine and will likely carry a significant share of the workload in this matchup.
Meanwhile, the team’s newer additions from Chicago—Colton Dach, Jason Dickinson, and defenseman Connor Murphy—are expected to remain in the same positions they held during their debut against Carolina. Keeping them in familiar roles may help the group build rhythm as they continue adjusting to Edmonton’s system.
Connor Ingram Returns to the Crease
Goaltending duties will shift again as Connor Ingram is set to start for Edmonton against Vegas.
Ingram will be making his fourth start in the team’s last five games after Tristan Jarry handled the net in the previous matchup. The coaching staff appears committed to maintaining a rotation while evaluating both goaltenders during this important stretch of the season.
Facing the Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena is rarely an easy task, which means Ingram will likely face significant pressure early. A strong performance from the netminder could be crucial if Edmonton hopes to bounce back from its recent loss.
Oilers Projected Lineup vs Golden Knights
Based on the morning skate, Edmonton’s projected lineup currently looks like this:
Forwards
Nugent-Hopkins – McDavid – Hyman
Podkolzin – Draisaitl – Roslovic
Savoie – Dickinson – Kapanen
Dach – Henrique – Frederic
Defense
Ekholm – Bouchard
Walman – Murphy
Nurse – Emberson
Goaltenders
Ingram
Jarry
A Crucial Pacific Division Battle
As the Oilers prepare for the Golden Knights, lineup health and chemistry could prove decisive. The potential absence of a key defender like Ekholm would force adjustments on the blue line, while Henrique’s status affects forward depth.
At the same time, Edmonton’s stars remain central to the team’s chances. If McDavid and Draisaitl can generate offense while the defense holds steady, the Oilers may still leave Las Vegas with valuable points.
With playoff positioning in the Pacific Division tightening, Sunday night’s matchup carries added importance. The final lineup decisions will arrive shortly before puck drop, but the stakes are already clear for both teams.
