Smith appeared close to returning to the Oilers' crease but a setback will keep him sidelined for the foreseeable future. With Smith out, Mikko Koskinen will connote to be used as the No.1 netminder with Stuart Skinner as his backup.
Stecher will miss his third straight game on Tuesday and could miss an extended period of time. There's no indication of what is ailing Stecher but expect an update after he sees a specialist.
Brown was added to the COVID-19 reserve list on Monday and is not expected to play on Tuesday. Egor Sokolov was recalled from the AHL and is expected to replace Brown in the lineup in Boston.
Koekkoek has been in the lineup for three straight games but will replace Kris Russell in the lineup on Wednesday. Koekkoek has failed to record a point in six games this season.
Benson has played in the last two games, averaging just 8:21 TOI/gm but will be replaced by Brendan Perlini on the fourth line vs. the Predators.
Head coach Dave Tippett said that Smith is "skating right now, he won't play tonight but he's real close. We're hoping he'll be an option for Friday." With Smith out for a sixth straight game, look for Mikko Koskinen to start.
Arvidsson was a late scratch from the lineup on Sunday and head coach Todd McLellan said Tuesday that Lias Andersson will skate on the top line with Anze Kopitar on Wednesday, suggesting that Arvidsson will miss a second straight game in COVID-19 protocol.
Janmark missed the first three games of the season in COVID-19 protocol but will play tonight vs. the Oilers. Janmark, who had five points (1G / 4A) in 15 games with the Golden Knights last year, will skate on the fourth line in his season debut.
The Edmonton gets called up after Mike Smith (lower-body) landed on IR on Wednesday. The 22-year-old netminder has gong 2-0-0 while stopping 53 of 56 shots (.946 SV%) in his first two AHL starts of 2021-22. The Oilers have a back-to-back on Thursday/Friday, so Skinner could get the nod in one of those two games.
Smith was removed from Tuesday's game after he "tweaked" something in his lower body. With Smith going on IR, Stuart Skinner was recalled from the AHL to serve as Mikko Koskinen's backup moving forward. The movement to IR means he'll miss at least two games.
Head coach Dave Tippett called Smith "day-to-day" in his post-game media availability but added that he'll be re-evaluated on Wednesday morning. The Oilers have a back-to-back in Arizona and Vegas on Thursday and Friday, so there's a chance Stuart Skinner is called up and plays one of those two games.
Kane was suspended for using a fake COVID-19 vaccination card and is not eligible to return until November 30th. Kane is still facing several allegations and investigations for other off-ice issues incidents.
Smith separated himself from Mikko Koskinen last season and ended up starting 54 percent of the Oilers games, going 21-6-2 with a 2.31 GAA and .923 SV%. It was a resurgent year for the veteran netminder, who struggled mightily in his debut season with the Oilers. If all goes well in 2022, he should start the lion’s share of the Oilers games and their high-powered offence could make him a valuable fantasy option.
