Overcrowded Oilers Bench: Who's The Odd Man Out On A Healthy Roster?

As the Edmonton Oilers approach full health, coach Kris Knoblauch faces tough decisions regarding the team's lineup.

The Oilers might have too much of a good thing, given that they landed on some found money with the pickups of a few overlooked players who have stepped up in a big way.

With Viktor Arvidsson skating with the team and nearing a return, the Oilers must determine where he fits once he’s cleared to play. However, the big question is who will come out of the lineup to make room for him.

Meanwhile, Evander Kane’s return, which is not expected until at least February, will raise a similar question.

The performance of players like Kasperi Kapanen and Vasily Podkolzin complicates this process – in a good way.

Kapanen has impressed many since his arrival off waivers from the St. Louis Blues. He's fitting seamlessly alongside Leon Draisaitl with his speed and smart plays. Oilers fans have quickly taken to him, and his style of play on the second line may give the team a reason to rethink their options once Arvidsson returns. Kapanen has three goals and four points 11 games, and if he keeps producing, it will be hard to justify demoting him, even if Arvidsson is a better player on paper with a more proven resume.

Placing Kapanen back on waivers would come with risks, as his play in Edmonton suggests he could get claimed again.

Podkolzin, meanwhile, continues to build momentum with the fans and the coaching staff.

His physicality and tenacity have shone through recently, highlighted by his knockout of Jeremy Lauzon earlier in the season and mixing it up again on Monday after a hit from behind by AJ Greer.

He takes no guff, and his growing confidence and willingness to protect himself and his teammates will be a huge plus in the playoffs. In some ways, he brings the element Kane would bring when healthy. Again, Kane is the more proven player on paper.

Still, how do you demote someone with his heart and soul heading into games where the Oilers will need it more than ever?

Mattias Janmark and Connor Brown aren't coming out because of their penalty-killing prowess, either.

The Oilers Might Have To Think Out Of The Box

With multiple players vying for positions in the lineup, the Oilers may be forced to make moves that seem a bit out of left field.

One option that seems unlikely is trading or demoting veteran Jeff Skinner. Skinner was pushed down the roster at practice on Tuesday, and that's not a good sign. He's got six goals and 12 points in 31 games, one more point than Podkolzin.

If Skinner's roster spot is in trouble, moving on from him won't be easy. Because he has a full no-move clause, and he's never played a playoff game in his 15-year career, that could influence his willingness to accept a trade. At the very least, it would have to be to another contender. Could the Oilers threaten to not play him in the post-season? The team is far from making that decision, and they likely wouldn't dare, even if it came to that.

Jason Strudwick noted on the Got Yer' Back podcast on Tuesday he believes a conversation between the Oilers and Skinner will take place where the team will try to find him another place he wants to play. Noting he's a good player, Strudwick just isn't sure there is a fit on the team.

Skinner's role on the roster is uncertain. Whether he remains a fixture or is used as a trade chip will remain a storyline to watch.

Related: Oilers' Power Play Problem Leaves Depth Forwards Without Rewards

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