Oilers Debacle and Misuse of Jeff Skinner Lies on Coach Knoblauch
The Edmonton Oilers made a high-potential signing with veteran sniper Jeff Skinner, but his situation has quickly deteriorated into a rare debacle from Coach Knoblauch.
Jeff Skinner was a healthy scratch for today's game against the Anaheim Ducks, a shocking downturn for a player that scored 82 points just two seasons ago.
However, Skinner's struggles to this point are in part due to Coach Knoblauch failing to put him in a position to succeed. Skinner has mostly been on the third and fourth lines this season, even getting benched at times.
When the Oilers signed the 32 year old veteran sniper, it was assumed he'd be given a top six role to play with skill players and showcase his offensive talents. Instead, Skinner has only had very brief chances in the top six before being bumped back down.
All season, Skinner has played less than 60 minutes of 5v5 ice time with McDavid and Draisaitl, according to MoneyPuck.
Signs that Jeff Skinner Could Still Be Effective for Edmonton Oilers
Despite playing most of his minutes in the bottom six with defensive players, who are not producing much, there's still signs that Skinner can be a more productive player.
Per MoneyPuck, Jeff Skinner is the third ranked Oilers forward in Expected Goals at even strength this season. He also is shooting at 5.8%, much lower than his career average of 11.1%, which suggests he's getting unlucky.
Obviously the veteran sniper does have some defensive deficiencies, and he leaves a lot to be desired in any sort of board battles. But the Oilers knew who they were getting, and aren't giving him the chance to use his offensive skills to offset his defensive shortcomings.
The Jeff Skinner experiment in Edmonton seems to be coming to an end after he played less than 60 minutes with the Oilers stars. Former Oiler Jason Strudwick has said there is a chance Skinner would approve a trade off the team.
Part of the failure has to be laid on Coach Knoblauch, who frankly never gave the player a chance to succeed. Hopefully, Skinner is able to move on and find success elsewhere.
