Oilers Forward Jeff Skinner Gets Benched Hard Amid Rumours of Departure
In his latest show, Jason Gregor of the Jason Gregor show feels that Oilers forward Jeff Skinner does not fit the mold of the Oilers style of play as trade rumors continue to swirl.
During his breakdown, Gregor explains what he seen with Skinner and his play and that he lacks in two major areas that makes him a poor choice for the Oilers.
He states that Skinner cannot forecheck which is a vital part of hockey today especially with superstar Leon Draisaitl.
His job is supposed to pick up the puck in the corners and get it to Draisaitl so that he can either take the shot or pass it off to someone else for a quick release to get the goals.
Not only that, but in tonight's game against the Boston Bruins, Skinner only played 8:06 of ice time - his lowest all season.
The other major concern of Skinners game is that defensively he is the worst on the team.
In his stats line, he has played 31 games scored six goals with six assists for 12 points but is a brutal -8. Those kinds of numbers are unacceptable especially if the team is trying to continue it's turn around back in the standings.
The Oilers including former interim general manager now CEO Jeff Jackson had high hopes for Skinner when they signed him during the offseason. Many felt that a change of scenery could be what he needed to turn around his game and become an offensive threat once again.
But it seems that father time and a general slowdown in his play with poor decisions is hampering him. It's likely general manager Stan Bowman will do what he can to try to trade Skinner as rumors continue to swirl around the Oilers as he is wanting to make a couple of deals.
He currently holds a one year $3,000,000 deal but contains a full no movement clause. Bowman along with Oilers management will need to work to convince him to move his salary by taking on retention and willing to move is no movement clause.
It seems that this signing was a dud unfortunately the team is not tied to a long-term deal which likely means he will not be returning next year for the team.
