Oilers Coach Spills The Beans: Jeff Skinner’s Future Revealed

Jeff Skinner’s relatively short run with the Edmonton Oilers has been anything but smooth. He’s not been a bad player, but he’s not been the fit the organization thought they were getting when they signed him in free agency this past offseason. Noting that there’s not much more the coach will do, Got Yer’ Back’s co-host Rob Brown suggested that Oilers’ head coach Kris Knoblauch revealed his hand regarding Skinner’s future with the team.

Brown explained that after arriving with expectations of contributing alongside elite talents like Leon Draisaitl, Skinner hasn’t stuck on that line at all this season. Instead of thriving in a top-six role, Skinner has been relegated to the bottom-six or made a healthy scratch. He’s not getting power play time, he’s playing lower minutes, and the opportunities to produce aren’t coming. Brown argued that’s not about to change.

Knoblauch Praised Skinner’s Game vs. Utah, But Nothing Will Change

After sitting versus Anaheim, Skinner returned to the lineup against Utah, and Knoblauch wasted no time heaping positive praise upon the veteran winger. Knoblauch faced a barrage of questions about the forward’s struggles. But, as the coach acknowledged Skinner’s efforts, he quickly pointed out that several other players also deserved more opportunities. What started out as a chance to prop up a forward who could use some motivation, the answers to the media’s questions turned into a lukewarm endorsement. Brown believes that spoke volumes about Skinner’s current standing within the team.

Brown was adamant that Skinner wasn’t going to get the opportunities he was hoping to get. The analyst and former NHLer said there’s still no clear path for Skinner to climb higher in the lineup. The key tell was the fact Knoblauch didn’t promote Skinner into a top-six role when injuries and illness hit the team.

Brown Says Skinner’s Miscasting Likely Leads to a Trade

Brown didn’t think the issue was that Skinner could not play in the NHL. Instead, he’s simply miscast on this team. Skinner is not a bottom-six forward, as he doesn’t bring the elements required to fit in that role. Skinner also doesn’t offer the team the offense he needs in order to overtake someone else in the top six.

If Skinner can’t carve out a meaningful role in Edmonton, Brown argues a trade might be the most realistic outcome. The Oilers are going to target size and depth at the trade deadline and Skinner could find himself even further down the depth chart if he doesn’t agree to a trade. With Evander Kane returning, Skinner’s odds of being impactful decrease even more.

Jeff Skinner is undoubtedly a skilled player who can contribute at the NHL level, but likely not in Edmonton. The coach might say the right things about a veteran who is making the best of a bad situation and not pouting, but that same coach isn’t going to give Skinner the opportunities Skinner needs.

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *