NHL analyst speculates Oilers benching $1,755,056 veteran D-man for Troy Stecher in major line shakeup for Game 4 

By ARJUN B

Modified Jun 12, 2025 05:38 GMT

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As the Edmonton Oilers find themselves trailing the Florida Panthers 2-1 in the Stanley Cup Finals, NHL analyst Ryan Rishaug has speculated that the Oilers may be considering a major lineup change for Game 4.

Rishaug, speaking on "SportsCenter" with Jay Onrait, suggested that the Oilers could be contemplating benching veteran defenseman John Klingberg, who has a one-year, $1,755,056 contract, in favor of Troy Stecher.

"I think the obvious one that he would be contemplating in this moment would be bringing in Troy Stecher on the blue line...," Rishaug said.

"And swapping out John Klingberg, who's been on the ice for the bulk of the five-on-five goals the Florida Panthers have scored against the Edmonton Oilers so far in this series. They really like Troy Stecher,” he added.

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Rishaug further pointed out that Stecher has developed a solid chemistry with Darnell Nurse. The Oilers appear to feel confident and comfortable with Stecher on the blue line.

He also hinted that Edmonton might be looking to add forward Jeff Skinner to the lineup, noting the team could benefit from “a bit more skill” to balance out their physical game. Skinner, who already found the back of the net in playoffs, could bring a valuable offensive spark.

“So I think one of those two changes, if not both, are definitely being contemplated right now." Rishaug added.

With the speculated lineup changes, the Oilers will look to even the series against the Panthers at Amerant Bank Arena in Game 4 on Thursday.

Oilers hit the ice on scheduled off-day

The Edmonton Oilers were expected to have a day off from practice on Wednesday. However, it appears the team had other plans in mind. Despite it being a scheduled off day, Sportsnet's Gene Principe reported:

“It was expected to be a quiet day away from the rink but unofficially 16 players skated for the Edmonton 0ilers, including 97 and 29.”

With the media being told it was a day off, they were likely caught off guard when they learned several players went to the rink anyway.

This seems to have been a tactical decision by head coach Kris Knoblauch to get his team some much-needed practice time away from the constant scrutiny of the media.

Will the Edmonton Oilers even the series in Game 4 on Thursday? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.