Oilers Coach Confirms Two Healthy Scratches Ahead Of Tonight's Game
The Edmonton Oilers are on the road tonight to face the Chicago Blackhawks, and will be healthy scratching Jeff Skinner and Josh Brown tonight in favour of Derek Ryan and Troy Stecher.
The news of the Oilers scratching Jeff Skinner broke this morning. It will be the second time in seven games he's been scratched.
Edmonton Oilers Scratch Josh Brown, Jeff Skinner Ahead of Playing Chicago Blackhawks
Oilers reporter Tony Brar broke the news of the lineup changes today as the team took the ice for warm ups.
The scratch of Josh Brown makes sense after he had a particularly rough game last time out.
Although he's clearly the Oilers worst defenceman, insider Mark Spector believes that Brown could see an increased role with the team.
If that experiment fails, he can be buried in the AHL with no salary cap cost.
Questions on Jeff Skinner's Future Raised Again After Second Healthy Scratch
However, the second scratch for Jeff Skinner should be a concerning sign for the Oilers veteran forward. He had produced decently with 3 points in his last 5 games, but it's not enough of what the coach wants.
Coach Knoblauch must be looking for Jeff Skinner to play a 200 foot game, be reliable on board battles, and buy-in to the team's commitment to defence. Unfortunately for Skinner, that's just not his skill set.
Oilers journalist Kurt Leavins hinted that Skinner won't waive his no-trade clause for a move off the team without a firm push.
- Kurt Leavins
Today's scratch is different for Jeff Skinner because it's no longer just sending a message. He did play well in his return, but Knoblauch clearly just doesn't see a fit for him on the roster.
If Skinner continues to sit in the press box, that will be motivation for a trade. We'll see if the Oilers continue to rotate their veterans in and out of the lineup, and if Skinner decides he needs a fresh start elsewhere.
