Oilers Face Catch-22 with Recently Scratched Jeff Skinner

Mark Spector, an Edmonton-based scribe, wrote after Sunday’s loss to the Anaheim Ducks that the Edmonton Oilers top stars don’t want Jeff Skinner on their flank and that the team is quickly realizing they made a mistake signing him as a free agent. Meanwhile, Daniel Nugent-Bowman of The Athletic is writing that even if Edmonton did make a mistake, the only way to fix the situation is to give him better looks and opportunities to do what he’s good at, which is score. As such, like Nugent-Bowman writes, the team faces a catch-22.

“The Oilers want more out of Skinner, but he’s not going to be able to do that from the fourth line with Janmark or Ryan as his centre,” writes Nugent-Bowman. He adds:

“Understandably, the coaching staff doesn’t want to upset the apple cart too much within the top six, but avenues exist to find Skinner more premium ice time. Perry routinely gets a shift or two in a game with McDavid and Draisaitl. Why can’t Skinner be afforded that same luxury?”

But, as Spector points out, Skinner arguably hasn’t earned that luxury. He notes, “It was supposed to everyone else’s fault that Jeff Skinner has never played in an NHL playoff game. Here in Edmonton, we’re finding out the error of that narrative.” Spector argues that Skinner is both unwilling and unable to play the type of game the Oilers need him to play. He hasn’t earned the trust of head coach Kris Knoblauch and neither Connor McDavid, nor Leon Draisaitl have petitioned to get Skinner on their line.

Then again, as Nugent-Bowman points out, “This is a career 11.7 percent shooter in all situations before this season, someone with six 30-goal campaigns. A couple of more high-quality looks could do him and the team wonders.”

What Will the Oilers Do with Skinner?

Because the forward has a no-move clause and total control over everything but his playing time, there are only a few options available to the Oilers. First, keep sitting him and hope that he requests a trade. Second, put him back in and hope he finds a way to be useful in a role he’s not particularly well suited for. Third, give him a longer look in a prime position and see if the team can’t get him going. If he’s productive, even a little bit, he’s potentially a useful asset.