Jeff Skinner Hits Rock Bottom With the Edmonton Oilers as Coach Knoblauch Makes a Tough Decision
The Edmonton Oilers are suiting up for an afternoon match against the Anaheim Ducks today, and Coach Knoblauch finally took the action of healthy scratching Jeff Skinner.
The veteran Skinner has been in Knoblauch's doghouse all season with fourth line minutes, despite his history as a prolific sniper. This healthy scratch though, is rock bottom.
However, Jeff Skinner isn't getting the opportunity to produce on the fourth line, and it's definitely stunted his play. Before today's game, Knoblauch announced that Derek Ryan will replace Jeff Skinner.
- Coach Knoblauch
Jeff Skinner is just two years removed from being over a point per game player, but this year with the Oilers, he's crashed to just 6 goals and 12 points in 35 games, with a brutal -11 on ice rating.
Jeff Skinner Healthy Scratch Prompts More Questions on His No Trade Clause
It's no secret anymore that Skinner is struggling in Edmonton, and he may just not be a fit for this roster.
Former Oiler Jason Strudwick has suggested Skinner may be amenable to working out a trade with the team.
- Jason Strudwick, Got Yer Back Podcast
Skinner is a free agent next year, and playing fourth line minutes and being healthy scratched isn't helping his future.
He surely wanted to play in Edmonton, but it hasn't worked out, and it may be in his best interest to waive his no trade clause for ice time elsewhere.
Not only that, it may really help the Oilers too. Spending $3M on a fourth line forward is too expensive, and if the Oilers are going to treat him as a fourth liner, they'll see that as salary that needs to be cleared.
Oilers Coach Not Happy With Veteran Sniper Jeff Skinner
Coach Knoblauch scratching Jeff Skinner shows he truly feels like he is a fringe player on this roster, and hasn't performed nearly well enough to justify a move up in the lineup.
Before the Holiday break, Knoblauch said that Skinner needs to play good hockey to get a promotion.
Safe to say, a healthy scratch looks like Knoblauch isn't seeing what he wants from Skinner, and that his time in Edmonton may be coming to a quick and disappointing end.
More details and analysis to come.
