Jeff Skinner opens up on being healthy scratched, relationship with Oilers Coach Knoblauch
Oilers veteran Jeff Skinner has struggled to find his place on the Edmonton Oilers this season, and recently opened up on fitting into the team.
Skinner has been healthy scratched and benched multiple times this season, leading to persistent trade rumours.
Oilers forward Jeff Skinner not interested in waiving his no-trade clause
Jeff Skinner spoke to Preston Hodgkinson of Daily Hive in a new interview, and despite earlier admitting it's tough to sit out of the lineup, he's determined to be better and teaming in good conversation with coach Knoblauch.
- Jeff Skinner
Earlier this season Skinner directly said he wouldn't be interested in waiving his no-move clause for a trade off the Oilers, and again today, Skinner reiterated how much he's enjoyed his time in Edmonton.
With only 8 goals and 16 points in 44 games this season, it's clearly not been a good year for Jeff Skinner. The Oilers may even want to move on from his $3M salary to spend it elsewhere, but if he denies a trade, that's his right.
The Oilers instead should be looking for ways to get more value out of him in the lineup. Recently, Skinner has been moved up in new line combinations, to the new look third line.
Skinner's played less than 60 minutes of ice time total with the Oilers top two centers this year - perhaps he needs a longer look or in more advantageous situations.
It's admirable that Skinner is committed to working on his game and staying with the Oilers, and keeping a positive attitude instead of sulking over the scratches. Hopefully his game will be able to turn around, and he can be a valuable player down the stretch.
