Mike Babcock takes action with bold lineup removal after allowing 13 goals past 2 games

Shakir Mukhamadullin is coming out, and Mike Babcock is turning to Ty Emberson after Edmonton's rough two-game defensive stretch.

The move addresses an obvious issue on the Oilers' blue line. Mukhamadullin had been working on his off-side at right defense, and that experiment lasted only two games.

Jason Gregor reported that Emberson will play in Edmonton's next game, pointing to Mukhamadullin's difficulties on his off-side as part of the reason for the change.

This isn't simply about one defenseman taking the blame. Edmonton's back end has given up too much through two games, and the coaching staff is already changing the mix rather than waiting for the problem to settle itself.

Emberson gives the Oilers a natural right-shot option. That matters for puck retrievals, exits and defensive-zone touches, where playing on the strong side can simplify decisions under pressure.

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Gregor also noted that Emberson had a solid season as Edmonton's third right defenseman last year. That familiarity gives the Oilers a cleaner option than forcing Mukhamadullin into an uncomfortable assignment.

Edmonton changes the balance on its blue line

Mukhamadullin's removal doesn't have to become a larger indictment of his game. Two appearances on the opposite side is a small window, but the Oilers don't need to keep forcing a fit that hasn't worked.

The change could also help Jake Walman. Gregor pointed out that Walman looked better during his time alongside a right-shot partner than he did with Mukhamadullin.

That pairing detail may be the bigger story. Edmonton needs its defense pairs working in sync, and changing one spot can settle both sides of a tandem without overhauling the entire blue line.

Emberson now gets the opportunity to restore some order. His assignment should be straightforward: defend his side, move pucks cleanly and give his partner a predictable option when Edmonton is under pressure.

For Mukhamadullin, this becomes a reset rather than a final judgment. A return on his natural side could put him in a much better position when another opening appears.

But Edmonton isn't waiting around. After two games with too many breakdowns behind its forwards, the Oilers are making an early adjustment and putting a natural right defenseman back into the lineup.

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