Awkward Moment as Oilers’ Coach Talks Jeff Skinner’s Limited Role
Edmonton Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch gave an awkward response to a question about what Jeff Skinner has to do to get elevated in the lineup. Saying, “Play good hockey,” the coach hinted that there was no one on the roster that Skinner would overtake unless he started to find his game.
Knoblauch rhetorically asked, “Who is he elevating?” — which might have been misspoken to mean ‘who is he replacing’ — and said to look at the team with how many players are playing well. Knoblauch added the season is long and there will be injuries. And, if guys go through slumps, Skinner might get a shot.
So Why Not Elevate Skinner on Sunday Night?
The Oilers had an opportunity to play Skinner in a top-line role on Sunday night. With news that Ryan Nugent-Hopkins wouldn’t t be available due to illness, this could have been Skinner’s chance. Instead, the Oilers ran with Viktor Arvidsson.
In fairness, Arvidsson played well. He scored a goal and an assist and filled in on the power play, fitting in well. That said, Knoblauch talked about opportunities, and the game on Sunday was exactly that. Still, Skinner started on the fourth line.
What Does Skinner Have to Do to Impress His Coach?
The question becomes, what will it take for Skinner to get a shot with his coach? Knoblauch says he’s confident that will happen, but he didn’t give Skinner a chance against the Ottawa Senators.
Knoblauch did follow up his comments by stressing Skinner had a solid night on the 4th line. He says his chances to be elevated in the lineup will come.
Jason Strudwick said on the Got Yer’ Back post-show following that game that Knoblauch should be challenged on his comments. Strudwick says there have been injuries on this Oilers team, and Skinner is rarely, if ever, elevated. “If he’s not a part of your now, how can he be part of your future?,” asked Strudwick.
Strudick argued this would have been the perfect time to get Skinner on that top line with a buzzing Connor McDavid and Zach Hyman. The Oilers could have used the chance to jumpstart Skinner. Strudwick thinks Skinner has to be thinking that his coach isn’t going to give him much of a look.
Ryan Rishaug said the Oilers invested in this player, and the team will have to find time to invest in Skinner and figure out his role. “At some point, they’re going to have to try and give him another opportunity to be what he’s supposed to be.”
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