The Edmonton Oilers made a splash on July 1st, signing ahead Jeff Skinner to a one-year, $3-million contract. Thus far, Skinner has confirmed to be a useful asset transferring his approach up the lineup and getting a promotion on Monday after incomes 4 factors in restricted minutes. Skinner’s offensive contributions have stood out and TSN’s Ryan Rishaug tweeted that Skinner was within the prime six in a white jersey at follow, doubtlessly suggesting he may get a glance on the Oilers’ struggling energy play.
Of word, Rishaug additionally tweeted that Vasily Podkolzin, Corey Perry, and Derek Ryan received a couple of run-throughs on the facility play as effectively.
By way of the primary few video games, Skinner has averaged simply 14:07 of ice time, rating seventh amongst Oilers skaters. Regardless of the decrease minutes, the ahead has produced and head coach Kris Knoblauch has praised Skinner’s play.
“I feel he’s been actually good the final three video games,” Knoblauch mentioned following an Oilers’ latest contest. “Not solely scoring two key objectives within the final couple of video games, but additionally being efficient on the partitions, getting pucks out. We’re very pleased with him.”
In truth, Skinner leads all NHL gamers in 5v5 pictures on purpose this season with 18. He’s at all times been a high-volume shooter, however on a group that’s struggling for offense, his want to attain is great timing. If he’s getting a take a look at the facility play, it both means Ryan Nugent-Hopkins or Zach Hyman is coming off. It’s a threat to alter up what has arguably been Edmonton’s prime weapon over the previous three seasons, however a 1-15 report on the person benefit to start out the 2024-25 marketing campaign means one thing’s received to offer.
Oilers Giving Skinner a Look After Early Failed Experiment
The draw back of elevating Skinner—if Oilers followers wish to see the glass half-empty—is that Knoblauch has already deserted the second line designed to help Leon Draisaitl. Jeff Skinner and Viktor Arvidsson had been signed to offer Draisaitl with extra dependable wingers, however the trio was barely used within the preseason and break up up after simply two regular-season video games.
Some imagine the problem lies extra with Draisaitl and the teaching employees than with the wingers. Skinner and Arvidsson have proven they’re each able to being robust second-line forwards. If given extra time with Draisaitl, it may unlock the road’s full potential each offensively and defensively.
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