This in from Bob Stauffer, host of Oilers Now, Edmonton’s line combinations from the morning skate, units we will likely see in Edmonton’s game against the Winnipeg Jets tonight at 6 p.m.

Draisaitl-McDavid-Podkolzin
Formenton-Dach-Joseph
Jones-Samanski-Howard
Nicholl-Michaels-Griffith
Bookman-Stonehouse

Shea-Bouchard
Stastney-Emberson
Stillman-Brown
Carfagna-Robinson

Jarry
Tomkins

1. Babcock is giving controversial Alex Formenton a solid shot here, playing him on what looks to become a Bottom 6 checking line for the Oilers. That said, Babcock has made it clear that all his lines right now are merely jottings on a napkin, and he’ll have to see how things play out before deciding on player combos.

Formenton was one of five Team Canada players acquitted in a sex assault case, where the judge found the complainant’s testimony to be unreliable, and also found as fact that the sexual activity in question was consensual. There’s been opposition to the signing but also plenty of support.

Formenton, 27, has been away from the NHL for three years, but he’s a big, fast checking winger still in his prime. My concern on his line isn’t his play, it’s more Colton Dach at centre. It’s a big job for a young player taking on defensive responsibilities as a centre forward.

2. This will also be the first game for incoming d-man Ryan Shea, who essentially takes Darnell Nurse’s spot in the line-u. For the time being, Shea is on the top pairing with Evan Bouchard. Edmonton’s pro scouts haven’t exactly covered themselves in glory with some recent signings such as Andrew Mangiapane and Jeff Skinner.

3. It’s a big night for all these players, as it’s Babcock’s first look at them as their coach in a game, but the line of Josh Samanski, Max Jones and Ike Howard will be interesting to watch. All these players have plenty on the line, each fighting for a spot in Edmonton, as opposed to getting sent down to Bakersfield. They’re all bubble players. Each of them played well last year, Samanski and Jones shining in late season stints in Edmonton, while Howard was a top attacker as an AHL rookie.

P.S. Just for fun, and for comparison’s sake, here is Edmonton’s line up from one year ago.