Renney does a line juggle but faceoffs still a concern.

After a dismal two games, the Oilers are testing new line combination's. Trying to spark the 3rd line and give Paajarvi more ice time, Tom Renney compiled the following:

Player expectations

I am beginning to wonder what this version of the Oilers will be like. Will it be a good showing or another disappointment in which we must switch gears and cheer for a good draft? First of all, I don't expect the Oilers to make an impact, not even close, but I am debating if they will satisfy the viewers. At this stage, fans have welcomed change and are excited for the new faces coming in. Expectations for the team isn't particularly high, but we are depending on individual players to shine.

Gags inked; Cogs next?

Sam Gagner finally signs a deal. The 21 year old centre man will earn $2.275 million per season on a 2 year contract. Not a steal for the Oilers, but not robbery on Gagner's part either. The Oilers were looking for a 1 year deal, as stated by Kevin Lowe, but Gagner's side were looking for a longer term - said to be 3 years. They met in the middle and came out with what looks to be a fair deal for both parties.

Oiler snid bits

Steve Yzerman and the Tampa Bay Lightning continue to make news. It has been a long time since we've heard so much buzz coming from this organization. The lightning snagged two ex-Oilers in Marc-Antoine Pouliot and last years assistant coach Wayne Fleming. Pouliot will add depth to the forwards and Fleming brings 30 years of experience to the Bolts. Pouliot signed a 1 year, 2 way contract. Terms of salary hasn't been released, but I can't see it being much more or less than his 825,000 NHL salary that he was signed to last year.

The fact that the Oilers signed JF Jacques over Pouliot