Good morning, everyone, and a happy Monday to you all. As always, I&#8217;ve got a fresh mailbag ready to go, after taking your questions and sending them to the crew for their take on whatever&#8217;s on your mind. This week, we&#8217;re discussing the Edmonton Oilers&#8217; line combinations, tactical issues, and more. If you’ve got a question you’d like to ask, email it to me at <a class="text-accent" href="mailto:baggedmilk@oilersnation.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">baggedmilk@oilersnation.com</a> or on Twitter at <a class="text-accent" href="https://www.twitter.com/jsbmbaggedmilk" rel="noopener noreferrer">@jsbmbaggedmilk</a>, and I’ll get to you as soon as I can.

<figure id="attachment_176511" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-176511" style="width: 1024px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-large wp-image-176511" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/USATSI_26396634-1024x683.jpg" alt="Florida Panthers Brad Marchand" width="1024" height="683" srcset="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/USATSI_26396634-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/USATSI_26396634-300x200.jpg 300w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/USATSI_26396634-768x512.jpg 768w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/USATSI_26396634-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/USATSI_26396634-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-176511" class="wp-caption-text">Jun 6, 2025; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Florida Panthers center Brad Marchand (63) reacts after making the game winning goal against the Edmonton Oilers during double overtime in game two of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure>
1) Gregg asks &#8211; What changes or adjustments does Kris Knoblauch need to make to avoid losing home-ice advantage and get back in the win column after the heartbreak in Game 2?
Jason Gregor:
I see no reason for any significant change. The Oilers just need to be better in the second period and reduce the turnovers in their own zone.
Tyler Yaremchuk:
They need to get better in the second period. The long change seems to be giving them some issues against this Florida forecheck. The Panthers are so good on jumping on mistakes and forcing turnovers. The Oilers need to be better at getting out of their zone cleanly if they&#8217;re going to win this series.
Baggedmilk:
Can someone please tell the defencemen to stop allowing Panthers forwards behind them for clear breakaways? That&#8217;s one change that needs to happen for sure.
<figure id="attachment_166222" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-166222" style="width: 1024px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-large wp-image-166222" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/USATSI_24988506-1024x683.jpg" alt="Edmonton Oilers' forward Jeff Skinner" width="1024" height="683" srcset="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/USATSI_24988506-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/USATSI_24988506-300x200.jpg 300w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/USATSI_24988506-768x512.jpg 768w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/USATSI_24988506-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/USATSI_24988506-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-166222" class="wp-caption-text">Dec 14, 2024; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers forward Jeff Skinner (53) celebrates after scoring a goal during the third period against the Vegas Golden Knights at Rogers Place.</figcaption></figure>
2) Richard asks &#8211; Would you make any lineup changes after Game 2?
Jason Gregor:
No. They are 13-3 in their last 16 games. They aren’t going to win every game.
Tyler Yaremchuk:
I want to see new d-pairings. I&#8217;ve watched the pairing of Nurse and Kulak ice the puck enough times in this series.  I would put Kulak back with Evan Bouchard, play Klingberg with Ekholm and Walman with Nurse. The forward lines are fine for me, but there needs to be an adjustment on the blueline. They are really struggling to get the puck out of their zone.
Baggedmilk:
Goals are hard to come by, and I wonder if Jeff Skinner will get a look at any point. Frederic has been quiet and has one goal in 18 games while Skinner has one goal in two games. I dunno. We&#8217;ll see.
<figure id="attachment_175002" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-175002" style="width: 1024px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-large wp-image-175002" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/USATSI_26163349-1024x683.jpg" alt="Edmonton Oilers Trent Frederic" width="1024" height="683" srcset="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/USATSI_26163349-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/USATSI_26163349-300x200.jpg 300w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/USATSI_26163349-768x512.jpg 768w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/USATSI_26163349-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/USATSI_26163349-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-175002" class="wp-caption-text">May 12, 2025; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers center Trent Frederic (21) fights with Vegas Golden Knights defenceman Nicolas Hague (14) during the first period in game three of the second round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Walter Tychnowicz-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure>
3) Lyle asks &#8211; Is Trent Frederic doing enough to keep his spot in the lineup?
Jason Gregor:
Yes. I’m not putting Jeff Skinner in his place in a physical series, especially on the road, and Frederic is better defensively.
Tyler Yaremchuk:
I think so. He doesn&#8217;t make a lot of mistakes and he brings a physical element that I think the coaching staff likes. If the Oilers were to make a change, putting Jeff Skinner in for him is the only one I&#8217;d make but I&#8217;m not ready to do that yet.
Baggedmilk:
He&#8217;s definitely throwing his weight around and engaging in plenty of scrums, but I do wish he could start kicking in some offence. The question for me becomes whether or not he may come out for a guy like Jeff Skinner who has a better knack for scoring but definitely wouldn&#8217;t be as physical.
<figure id="attachment_176436" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-176436" style="width: 1024px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-large wp-image-176436" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/USATSI_26375736_168383996_lowres-1024x682.jpg" alt="Edmonton Oilers Kasperi Kapanen" width="1024" height="682" srcset="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/USATSI_26375736_168383996_lowres-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/USATSI_26375736_168383996_lowres-300x200.jpg 300w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/USATSI_26375736_168383996_lowres-768x512.jpg 768w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/USATSI_26375736_168383996_lowres-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/USATSI_26375736_168383996_lowres-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-176436" class="wp-caption-text">Jun 4, 2025; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers right wing Kasperi Kapanen (42) skates past Florida Panthers defenseman Nate Schmidt (88) in the third period in game one of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure>
4) David asks &#8211; Are there any pending UFAs that you believe the Oilers should re-sign? They&#8217;ve got Corey Perry, Jeff Skinner, Connor Brown, Kasperi Kapanen, Trent Frederic, and John Klingberg all slated to be free agents come July 1st.
Jason Gregor:
I expect them to sign Frederic and Kapanen for sure. They’d like to sign Brown, but cost will be the challenge. I suspect they don’t want to go higher than $2.25m and he might get more on the open market. They’d like to sign Klingberg, but again AAV will be the challenge. Perry has had an amazing year, but with big raises coming for Draisaitl and Bouchard, Perry will need to sign for around $1m or less. Will he do that or choose to see what happens on the market. Skinner is the only one I don’t see either side having interest in signing a new deal.
Tyler Yaremchuk:
I really want to see both Kasperi Kapanen and Connor Brown back. If Corey Perry wants to play for $1m, then I&#8217;d have him on my list as well. I&#8217;m really torn on Trent Frederic because I believe there is upside there but he hasn&#8217;t been a perfect fit. If the AAV is low enough, like under $3m, then I would consider it. I would let both Skinner and Klingberg walk.
Baggedmilk:
I&#8217;d bet on Corey Perry being back — he said he still wants to play — along with Trent Frederic (Friedman rumour) and Connor Brown. Those are my guesses. I like Kapanen and Klingberg, and wouldn&#8217;t mind extensions for both guys, but there are only so many dollars to go around.
<figure id="attachment_160594" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-160594" style="width: 1024px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-large wp-image-160594" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Edmonton-Oilers-Matthew-Savoie-Prospect-1024x683.jpg" alt="Edmonton Oilers Matthew Savoie Prospect" width="1024" height="683" srcset="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Edmonton-Oilers-Matthew-Savoie-Prospect-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Edmonton-Oilers-Matthew-Savoie-Prospect-300x200.jpg 300w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Edmonton-Oilers-Matthew-Savoie-Prospect-768x512.jpg 768w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Edmonton-Oilers-Matthew-Savoie-Prospect-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Edmonton-Oilers-Matthew-Savoie-Prospect-2048x1366.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-160594" class="wp-caption-text">Edmonton Oilers Matthew Savoie lines up for faceoff at the Penticton Young Stars Tournament</figcaption></figure>
5) Chandler asks &#8211; With the news of <a href="https://publish.oilersnation.com/2025/05/28/edmonton-oilers-zach-hyman-done-for-the-season-requires-surgery/">Zach Hyman being out for the playoffs</a>, do you think there should be any consideration given to play Matt Savoie if, at any point, they need an offensive boost?
Jason Gregor:
The Oilers have scored eight goals in two games in the Cup Final without Hyman. Offense hasn’t been an issue. This is the Cup Final. Savoie hasn’t played in six weeks and now isn’t the time to play him. Only way he is considered an option is if they run into some serious injury issues up front.
Tyler Yaremchuk:
No. Jeff Skinner has played in playoff games and is the safer play. I would not throw Savoie into his first playoff game deep in the Stanley Cup Final.
Baggedmilk:
No. It would be Jeff Skinner, and I&#8217;m fascinated to find out if/when he gets that chance.
<h2>PRESENTED BY STAR MECHANICAL</h2>
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-146181" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Article-2-SME.png" alt="" width="728" height="404" srcset="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Article-2-SME.png 728w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Article-2-SME-300x166.png 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 728px) 100vw, 728px" />
Star Mechanical is one of Edmonton’s biggest locally owned and operated plumbing and heating businesses. They have been working within the community for over 20 years, and many of the homes built in Edmonton over the last two decades have had their plumbing and heating systems installed by Star Mechanical.  Visit them at <a href="http://starmechanical.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://starmechanical.ca&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1707492487512000&amp;usg=AOvVaw2mVs3WUkp8iUCZ0kJRe9lJ">starmechanical.ca</a> to schedule an appointment and let them help keep your home running smoothly.

Good morning, everyone, and a happy Monday to you all. As always, I've got a fresh mailbag ready to go, after taking your questions and sending them to the crew for their take on whatever's on your mind. This week, we're discussing the Edmonton Oilers' line combinations, tactical issues, and more. If you’ve got a question you’d like to ask, email it to me at <a class="text-accent" href="mailto:baggedmilk@oilersnation.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">baggedmilk@oilersnation.com</a> or on Twitter at <a class="text-accent" href="https://www.twitter.com/jsbmbaggedmilk" rel="noopener noreferrer">@jsbmbaggedmilk</a>, and I’ll get to you as soon as I can.



[caption id="attachment_176511" align="aligncenter" width="1024"]<img class="size-large wp-image-176511" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/USATSI_26396634-1024x683.jpg" alt="Florida Panthers Brad Marchand" width="1024" height="683" /> Jun 6, 2025; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Florida Panthers center Brad Marchand (63) reacts after making the game winning goal against the Edmonton Oilers during double overtime in game two of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images[/caption]

1) Gregg asks - What changes or adjustments does Kris Knoblauch need to make to avoid losing home-ice advantage and get back in the win column after the heartbreak in Game 2?

Jason Gregor:

I see no reason for any significant change. The Oilers just need to be better in the second period and reduce the turnovers in their own zone.

Tyler Yaremchuk:

They need to get better in the second period. The long change seems to be giving them some issues against this Florida forecheck. The Panthers are so good on jumping on mistakes and forcing turnovers. The Oilers need to be better at getting out of their zone cleanly if they're going to win this series.

Baggedmilk:

Can someone please tell the defencemen to stop allowing Panthers forwards behind them for clear breakaways? That's one change that needs to happen for sure.

[caption id="attachment_166222" align="aligncenter" width="1024"]<img class="size-large wp-image-166222" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/USATSI_24988506-1024x683.jpg" alt="Edmonton Oilers' forward Jeff Skinner" width="1024" height="683" /> Dec 14, 2024; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers forward Jeff Skinner (53) celebrates after scoring a goal during the third period against the Vegas Golden Knights at Rogers Place.[/caption]

2) Richard asks - Would you make any lineup changes after Game 2?

Jason Gregor:

No. They are 13-3 in their last 16 games. They aren’t going to win every game.

Tyler Yaremchuk:

I want to see new d-pairings. I've watched the pairing of Nurse and Kulak ice the puck enough times in this series.  I would put Kulak back with Evan Bouchard, play Klingberg with Ekholm and Walman with Nurse. The forward lines are fine for me, but there needs to be an adjustment on the blueline. They are really struggling to get the puck out of their zone.

Baggedmilk:

Goals are hard to come by, and I wonder if Jeff Skinner will get a look at any point. Frederic has been quiet and has one goal in 18 games while Skinner has one goal in two games. I dunno. We'll see.

[caption id="attachment_175002" align="aligncenter" width="1024"]<img class="size-large wp-image-175002" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/USATSI_26163349-1024x683.jpg" alt="Edmonton Oilers Trent Frederic" width="1024" height="683" /> May 12, 2025; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers center Trent Frederic (21) fights with Vegas Golden Knights defenceman Nicolas Hague (14) during the first period in game three of the second round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Walter Tychnowicz-Imagn Images[/caption]

3) Lyle asks - Is Trent Frederic doing enough to keep his spot in the lineup?

Jason Gregor:

Yes. I’m not putting Jeff Skinner in his place in a physical series, especially on the road, and Frederic is better defensively.

Tyler Yaremchuk:

I think so. He doesn't make a lot of mistakes and he brings a physical element that I think the coaching staff likes. If the Oilers were to make a change, putting Jeff Skinner in for him is the only one I'd make but I'm not ready to do that yet.

Baggedmilk:

He's definitely throwing his weight around and engaging in plenty of scrums, but I do wish he could start kicking in some offence. The question for me becomes whether or not he may come out for a guy like Jeff Skinner who has a better knack for scoring but definitely wouldn't be as physical.

[caption id="attachment_176436" align="aligncenter" width="1024"]<img class="size-large wp-image-176436" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/USATSI_26375736_168383996_lowres-1024x682.jpg" alt="Edmonton Oilers Kasperi Kapanen" width="1024" height="682" /> Jun 4, 2025; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers right wing Kasperi Kapanen (42) skates past Florida Panthers defenseman Nate Schmidt (88) in the third period in game one of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images[/caption]

4) David asks - Are there any pending UFAs that you believe the Oilers should re-sign? They've got Corey Perry, Jeff Skinner, Connor Brown, Kasperi Kapanen, Trent Frederic, and John Klingberg all slated to be free agents come July 1st.

Jason Gregor:

I expect them to sign Frederic and Kapanen for sure. They’d like to sign Brown, but cost will be the challenge. I suspect they don’t want to go higher than $2.25m and he might get more on the open market. They’d like to sign Klingberg, but again AAV will be the challenge. Perry has had an amazing year, but with big raises coming for Draisaitl and Bouchard, Perry will need to sign for around $1m or less. Will he do that or choose to see what happens on the market. Skinner is the only one I don’t see either side having interest in signing a new deal.

Tyler Yaremchuk:

I really want to see both Kasperi Kapanen and Connor Brown back. If Corey Perry wants to play for $1m, then I'd have him on my list as well. I'm really torn on Trent Frederic because I believe there is upside there but he hasn't been a perfect fit. If the AAV is low enough, like under $3m, then I would consider it. I would let both Skinner and Klingberg walk.

Baggedmilk:

I'd bet on Corey Perry being back — he said he still wants to play — along with Trent Frederic (Friedman rumour) and Connor Brown. Those are my guesses. I like Kapanen and Klingberg, and wouldn't mind extensions for both guys, but there are only so many dollars to go around.

[caption id="attachment_160594" align="aligncenter" width="1024"]<img class="size-large wp-image-160594" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Edmonton-Oilers-Matthew-Savoie-Prospect-1024x683.jpg" alt="Edmonton Oilers Matthew Savoie Prospect" width="1024" height="683" /> Edmonton Oilers Matthew Savoie lines up for faceoff at the Penticton Young Stars Tournament[/caption]

5) Chandler asks - With the news of <a href="https://publish.oilersnation.com/2025/05/28/edmonton-oilers-zach-hyman-done-for-the-season-requires-surgery/">Zach Hyman being out for the playoffs</a>, do you think there should be any consideration given to play Matt Savoie if, at any point, they need an offensive boost?

Jason Gregor:

The Oilers have scored eight goals in two games in the Cup Final without Hyman. Offense hasn’t been an issue. This is the Cup Final. Savoie hasn’t played in six weeks and now isn’t the time to play him. Only way he is considered an option is if they run into some serious injury issues up front.

Tyler Yaremchuk:

No. Jeff Skinner has played in playoff games and is the safer play. I would not throw Savoie into his first playoff game deep in the Stanley Cup Final.

Baggedmilk:

No. It would be Jeff Skinner, and I'm fascinated to find out if/when he gets that chance.
<h2>PRESENTED BY STAR MECHANICAL</h2>
<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-146181" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Article-2-SME.png" alt="" width="728" height="404" />

Star Mechanical is one of Edmonton’s biggest locally owned and operated plumbing and heating businesses. They have been working within the community for over 20 years, and many of the homes built in Edmonton over the last two decades have had their plumbing and heating systems installed by Star Mechanical.  Visit them at <a href="http://starmechanical.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://starmechanical.ca&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1707492487512000&amp;usg=AOvVaw2mVs3WUkp8iUCZ0kJRe9lJ">starmechanical.ca</a> to schedule an appointment and let them help keep your home running smoothly.

Monday Mailbag: Should the Oilers make lineup changes ahead of Game 3?

New York Rangers Anaheim Ducks Chris Kreider

NHL Notebook: All signs point to Rangers exodus to California continuing with Chris Kreider trade looming

Edmonton Oilers Stan Bowman Kris Knoblauch

Recent articles from baggedmilk

Breaking News