Right before tonight's game against the New York Islanders, Oilers coach Knoblauch gave a hard demotion to forward Jeff Skinner.
At Oilers practice today, Skinner was skating on the first line with Connor McDavid. During warmups and to begin the game, Skinner was demoted all the way down to the fourth line. Nugent-Hopkins was assigned back to the first line.
Jeff Skinner not even being given the third line assignment is a big indictment that the coaching staff isn't happy with his play. Skinner came to Edmonton and there was high hopes he could have a career year, but the scoring isn't there right now. In his last ten games, Skinner only has 1 goal and 2 points.
Just a few weeks ago, Oilers insider Bob Stauffer surprisingly brought up Jeff Skinner's name when discussing a potential forward trade when Evander Kane returns from injury. If things continue to go south and he's unable to find his game, it seems the Oilers may be willing to move on from Skinner.
Jeff Skinner is 32 years old and a veteran of over 1000 NHL games, and hasn't scored less than 24 goals in a full season since 2014. He's only two years removed from 35 goals and 82 points with the Buffalo Sabres. Skinner has even looked good at times, but just hasn't had the goals fall for him.
It's disappointing that he hasn't produced much in the Oilers first 15 games, but it feels too early to give up on him - especially when the Oilers haven't given him a longer look in the top six forward group.
It would be a major surprise if this year went so poorly that Skinner needs to be traded, but it may be a possibility when Evander Kane returns. Hopefully Skinner's able to find his scoring touch again, stay with the Oilers, and play his first playoff games in his long NHL career.
