Zach Hyman faces unlikely demotion at practice
The Edmonton Oilers are finishing up morning practice, and Kris Knoblauch has made some major adjustments to the starting lines.
Connor Brown has been on an absolute heater, recording 10 points in has last 10 games.
While Zach Hyman has had a slower start to the 2024-25 campaign, fans have seen a recent spike in offensive production since being left off Team Canada's 4 Nations Face-Off Tournament.
Kris Knoblauch shuffles lines at practice
During today's practice, head coach Kris Knoblauch made some significant adjustments, promoting Connor Brown to the 1st line alongside Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Connor McDavid.
With every action comes a reaction, and Zach Hyman was bumped down to the 3rd line along side Mattias Janmark and Kasperi Kapanen.
According to Liam McCormick of Oilers Daily, It may just be a temporary move to bump Hyman down and capitalize on the recent surge from Connor Brown, or it could be a method for Knoblauch to get three balanced lines. The telling sign will be if Hyman's ice time stays lower as it was against Utah.
The Edmonton Oilers are gearing up for their game against the Anaheim Ducks on Friday, and it's a good opportunity for Knoblauch to try out some different line combinations.
Regardless, Connor Brown has been producing offence at an impressive rate, and Knoblauch is clearly rewarding if with a legitimate look on the Oilers top line.
