NHL Could Discipline Oilers Coach Knoblauch For Actions of Jeff Skinner
Oilers forward Jeff Skinner was fined earlier this season for embellishing calls, and if those offences keep up, Coach Kris Knoblauch will also have to pay a fine.
The NHL fined Jeff Skinner after reviewing two instances of diving from this season, and further statements that the're cracking down on embellishment.
According to Elliotte Friedman on today's episode of the 32 Thoughts Podcast, if Jeff Skinner embellishes three more penalty calls this season, Coach Kris Knoblauch will be fined $2,000 as well.
- Elliotte Friedman, 32 Thoughts
Jeff Skinner already seems to be in Coach Knoblauch's doghouse, and surely getting him a fine won't help his cause at all. The Oilers veteran will need to seriously watch himself, and not even want to flirt with a 5th diving offence.
Oilers Forward Jeff Skinner Could Get Coach Knoblauch Fined if Embellishment Continues
The public announcement that Skinner has been diving may even be more effective to stop players from diving than the fines. No player wants to be known as faking penalties.
It's unfortunate that Skinner hasn't fit in better with the Oilers, but he's found himself on the fourth line and struggling to produce to expectations.
As a result, Skinner's name has popped up in the trade rumour mill multiple times this season. Former Oiler Jason Strudwick recently suggested both parties could work out a trade to get him more ice time.
In 32 games this season, Skinner has only scored 6 goals and 12 points. He's signed to a one year contract at $3M with a full no-trade clause, so he would need to approve any move.
We'll see what happens before the trade deadline, but it's possible that Skinner won't get Knoblauch fined - but maybe the coach of his new team.
