On January 5, in an article about Jeff Skinner‘s future with the Edmonton Oilers, I cited feedback from Kurt Leavins of the Edmonton Journal, who wrote, “A lot ink has been spilled over what Jeff Skinner is just not.” He added, “No, the Skinner experiment in Edmonton has not gone effectively. However I don’t count on a proud vet with no single playoff recreation to give up his spot within the lineup of this workforce with no agency push.” That push has develop into a reasonably apparent shove.
As hinted by Ryan Rishaug, Rob Brown, and Jason Strudwick of the Got Yer’ Back podcast, the truth that Skinner has been made a wholesome scratch for 3 straight video games must be a sign the Oilers try to ship a message.
Are the Oilers Telling Skinner He’s Received No Spot on This Group?
Because the NHL Commerce Deadline nears, the Oilers are going to be dealing with some powerful selections. They should check who inside their system can fill holes. They’ll be exploring the UFA market with guys like John Klingberg. The Oilers will likely be calling groups about attainable trades. Nowhere in that blend seems to be Jeff Skinner.
Whatever the strikes Edmonton makes and the roster head coach Kris Knoblauch ices, Skinner appears to be working his means down the roster, not up it. When requested if the conversations between Skinner, his agent and the workforce would possibly already be occurring, Strudwick responded, “I believe there’s going to be a divorce right here.” Noting that it’s not nearly profitable, it’s about taking part in and dealing in the direction of a contract for subsequent season. “I’d assume that there must be one thing happening with the agent.”
Rob Brown famous that everybody is taking part in in entrance of Skinner and he’s been benched for nearly everybody. He is aware of, “If the Oilers began the playoffs tomorrow, he’s not within the lineup.” Brown stated Skinner has to really feel like he’s not part of the workforce and will rating and be productive elsewhere.
“That’s the precise cause they’re scratching him, so he waives his no-movement clause,” Rishaug stated when he learn a remark from a viewer.
Skinner Pegged the Greatest Disappointment of the Season
Greg Wyshynski of ESPN wrote that Skinner has been the largest disappointment of the NHL season. He defined:
“The 32-year-old winger was a heralded worth signing for the Oil after getting a buyout in Buffalo. Three years faraway from a 35-goal season, followers have been salivating on the concept of him potting pucks with Draisaitl and Connor McDavid. Alas, he hasn’t earned that point with them: Skinner has seven objectives and eight assists in 40 video games, skating 12:36 per recreation whereas having been a wholesome scratch now and again. He’s been a defensive legal responsibility, and he’s deep within the unfavorable in objectives scored above alternative. In all probability not an incredible signal when your offensive free agent coup has one level greater than Corey Perry midway via the season.”
If Skinner doesn’t play within the second recreation of a back-to-back versus the Colorado Avalanche, it is going to be crystal clear what the Oilers are doing. Even when he does play and will get restricted minutes, it’s develop into apparent the workforce is seeking to stress him to open up choices to maneuver on.
Subsequent: Ex-Oiler Talks Huge Threat in Klingberg Signing, Hints at 2nd Transfer
