Mark Spector, an Edmonton-based scribe, wrote after Sunday’s loss to the Anaheim Geese that the Edmonton Oilers high stars don’t need Jeff Skinner on their flank and that the group is shortly realizing they made a mistake signing him as a free agent. In the meantime, Daniel Nugent-Bowman of The Athletic is writing that even when Edmonton did make a mistake, the one technique to repair the scenario is to offer him higher appears to be like and alternatives to do what he’s good at, which is rating. As such, like Nugent-Bowman writes, the group faces a catch-22.
“The Oilers need extra out of Skinner, however he’s not going to have the ability to do this from the fourth line with Janmark or Ryan as his centre,” writes Nugent-Bowman. He provides:
“Understandably, the teaching workers doesn’t wish to upset the apple cart an excessive amount of inside the high six, however avenues exist to seek out Skinner extra premium ice time. Perry routinely will get a shift or two in a sport with McDavid and Draisaitl. Why can’t Skinner be afforded that very same luxurious?”
However, as Spector factors out, Skinner arguably hasn’t earned that luxurious. He notes, “It was imagined to everybody else’s fault that Jeff Skinner has by no means performed in an NHL playoff sport. Right here in Edmonton, we’re discovering out the error of that narrative.” Spector argues that Skinner is each unwilling and unable to play the kind of sport the Oilers want him to play. He hasn’t earned the belief of head coach Kris Knoblauch and neither Connor McDavid, nor Leon Draisaitl have petitioned to get Skinner on their line.
Then once more, as Nugent-Bowman factors out, “It is a profession 11.7 % shooter in all conditions earlier than this season, somebody with six 30-goal campaigns. A few extra high-quality appears to be like may do him and the group wonders.”
What Will the Oilers Do with Skinner?
As a result of the ahead has a no-move clause and complete management over every thing however his taking part in time, there are only some choices accessible to the Oilers. First, preserve sitting him and hope that he requests a commerce. Second, put him again in and hope he finds a technique to be helpful in a job he’s not notably properly fitted to. Third, give him an extended look in a chief place and see if the group can’t get him going. If he’s productive, even a bit bit, he’s doubtlessly a helpful asset.
Skinner hasn’t been terribly productive but, however that doesn’t essentially imply he by no means shall be. Spector may agree with Buffalo Sabres beat author Mike Harrington when he writes, “From 4th line to press field, this free agent signing — as predicted by @ByMHarrington — is a catastrophe.” However, as Nugent-Bowman writes, “The Oilers have sufficient cowl up entrance if Skinner doesn’t get going and would have a troublesome time discovering somebody together with his offensive monitor file and potential anyway.”
Subsequent: Oilers Collapse in 5-3 Loss to Geese, Mother’s Journey a Dud
