Oilers Forward Jeff Skinner Responding To Healthy Scratch and Trade Rumours
Jeff Skinner hasn't lived up to expectations with the Edmonton Oilers leading to trade rumours and a healthy scratch, but now he's responding by elevating his game.
When Skinner was healthy scratched on December 29, he had only 12 points in 35 games.
Since he's returned to play, Skinner has been noticeably more engaged and now has 3 points in his last 3 games. Coach Knoblauch seems to have rewarded him with a promotion to a new-look third line.
When Skinner was being benched, playing 4th line minutes, and healthy scratched, rumours that he would approve a trade out of Edmonton began to surface.
More recently, Oilers insider David Staples reported that Skinner would need a «firm push» to accept a trade off the team. Instead, it looks like Skinner is trying to prove his worth to the roster.
Oilers Forward Jeff Skinner Elevating Play After Trade Rumours
The Oilers new look third line is clearly an effort from the coach to create three balanced scoring lines, and so far it's been working. Skinner, Henrique, and Hyman all have offensive talent, and it's led to a few goals in the last three games.
The third line is finding some success, and it's finally leading to more opportunity for Jeff Skinner. Last game, Skinner played 12:21, his most since December 14th.
According to Statmuse, Skinner's currently shooting 8.2%, which is significantly below his career average of 11.1%. This is a player that scored 82 points just two seasons ago, and with increased ice time, his production will surely increase.
After struggling to find a fit for Jeff Skinner and even seeing Adam Henrique's game decline a bit, Coach Knoblauch has found a great fit to elevate both veterans with Zach Hyman. Hopefully, this can be three balanced lines for the Edmonton Oilers.
Skinner's clearly elevated his play in response to the healthy scratch, and is being rewarded with some extra ice time. Perhaps the Skinner experiment isn't over just yet.
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