Edmonton Oilers center Jeff Skinner. Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images

Oilers' plan to force Jeff Skinner out of Edmonton becoming apparent

Originally posted on Oilers Daily | By Liam McCormick | Last updated Jan 18, 2025 12:40 PM ET

The Edmonton Oilers are finding themselves in a bind with forward Jeff Skinner, taking up $3M of cap space yet not being used in the lineup at all.

The last three games in a row, the Oilers have scratched the 32-year-old veteran of over 1,000 games. A trade seems like the only path forward for Skinner.

Oilers insider previously hinted towards pushing Jeff Skinner out of Edmonton

Nearly two weeks ago, Oilers insider Kurt Leavins reported that Jeff Skinner wouldn't waive his no-trade clause without a "firm push" from the organization.

"No, the Skinner experiment in Edmonton has not gone well. But I do not expect a proud vet without a single playoff game to surrender his spot in the lineup of this team without a firm push."

After this report, Jeff Skinner has now been scratched in three straight games including a critical playoff matchup against the Los Angeles Kings.

That could be the exact push that Leavins was hinting toward, a way to convince Skinner to waive his no-move clause. If Coach Knoblauch doesn't see a fit for him in the lineup, the Oilers can't afford to pay a healthy scratch $3M.

Scratching someone for beyond just one game as a wake-up call is sending a message, especially to a veteran like Skinner. Last time he got into the lineup, he scored three points in five games before being taken out, still only playing bottom six minutes.

Last time Skinner spoke to the media after being scratched, he remained positive about working hard to earn the coach's trust, but he also admitted sitting in the press box or not playing much at all stings.

"I don't know, I mean, you always wanna play as a player. You know? Guys want to play. So, it is what it is."

Can the Oilers get Jeff Skinner to waive his no-move clause and accept a trade?

Coach Knoblauch has arguably contributed to this situation by never playing Skinner in the top six for more than 60 minutes this year, but the Oilers coach has high standards for a Cup-contending team.

Skinner himself too clearly isn't a fourth-line forward or healthy scratch. He's still got offensive skill and could benefit from a fresh start elsewhere. Former Oiler Jason Strudwick has suggested both parties could work together on a trade.

"I believe there's going to be a mutual agreement to say guys, this just isn't working out. Let's find a solution where we're going to get the chance to move you to some place you can play and play more. He's not a fourth-liner."

Hopefully the Oilers can find a way to clear Skinner's salary and deal him to a new team where he can be in a better position for success. At this point, the distraction needs to leave the Oilers.

This article first appeared on Oilers Daily and was syndicated with permission.

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