Skinner Saga: Oilers $9 Million Mistake? Opportunity Cost of Scratching Jeff Skinner Stings Edmonton

A healthy scratch again, Jeff Skinner ‘s signing with the Edmonton Oilers is starting to be questioned as one of the worst of the season. The veteran forward, brought in this offseason on a “can’t miss” contract, is sitting for the second time this season, prompting questions about how wise it was for the Oilers to prioritize him in the summer.

It’s not so much that Skinner has been terrible. He hasn’t. Before the Oilers’ ugly loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins on Thursday, Skinner was producing, even in a more limited role. However, Skinner’s signing meant the Oilers couldn’t sign Dylan Holloway. That turned out to be a massive blunder as Holloway was on fire with the St. Louis Blues and would currently rank third in points on the Oilers, with 32 points this season.

Looking back, it’s fair to argue the Oilers picked the wrong forward. The opportunity cost associated with signing Skinner and losing Holloway is starting to sting.

The past is the past, and not much can be done about it now. Still, what happens moving forward? Sportsnet’s Mark Spector posted, “Jeff Skinner gets his second healthy scratch this season. Not a Top 6 in EDM, not a Bottom 6 guy anywhere, something has got to give here.” Is this scratch just about rotating players? Or, is this a sign that head coach Kris Knoblauch has a hate on for the veteran forward?

Can the Oilers Correct Their Skinner Mistake? Was It a Mistake?

Skinner had notched three points in three games prior to a single scoreless outing that landed him in the press box. Many fans on social media are saying the demotion wreaks of bias against the player, not an indication he isn’t pulling his weight. If Knoblauch has no intention of giving Skinner a fair shake, will this go down as one of the worst UFA signings of the summer?

The Oilers can’t trade Skinner unless he agrees to a move. If they were to bench him until he caves and says he’ll go, it’s a lousy look for the organization. The team is in a pickle if they want to part ways.

It’s not clear if Oilers management regrets the decision to sign him, but how can they not? Given the cost– Edmonton may have retained promising young players like Dylan Holloway or Philip Broberg — Skinner will be the scapegoat, even if the signing seemed astute at the time.

Skinner’s inability to cement a role on the team is unfortunate. He’ll likely get back into the lineup again and do his best to make the most of his chances. It’s no longer clear that will matter.