Oilers insider thinks team is sending a message to force trade on veteran forward

This has been an ongoing issue with the Oilers and Skinner as the team has not felt he has lived up to his contract and has worked with him closely in trying to resolve his issues.

Some pundits feel this might be a tactic to force him to waive his no movement clause as the trade deadline approaches.

It's been reported for the past several months that the Oilers have not been happy with their offseason acquisitions last summer including Viktor Arvidsson and Skinner.

Many applauded the work of former interim general manager Jeff Jackson after bringing in these players and being aggressive in the offseason.

Since then, Skinner has seen record low ice time, especially during his game against Carolina on March 1st where he only played 9 minutes and 55 seconds.

In his last five games he has only amassed 2 points one goal and one assist and has watched his ice time continued to dwindle.

Since arriving in free agency, Skinner has played 53 games, scored eleven goals
attendances for 21 points and is a - 6 which puts him near the bottom of the plus minus for the Oilers.

Earlier last month, it was reported that General Manager Stan Bowman mentioned that Skinner would not be traded at the deadline. This thinking may be shifting.

Skinner currently holds a one year $3,000,000 deal with a full no movement clause which has handcuffed the Oilers as they would attempt to trade him to a team such as the Columbus Blue Jackets who are making an unexpected push for the playoffs this year.

Moving his salary would be extremely helpful for the team as they are looking to upgrade their bottom six forwards as they have added Trent Frederic from the Boston Bruins earlier today.

Defence is also on the docket and it's likely the Oilers are not done as the deadline is rapidly approaching on Friday at 3:00 PM.

Many expect general manager Stan Bowman to be busy and perhaps he may find a buyer for Skinner at a possible salary retention if needed.