In an offseason stuffed with Edmonton Oilers roster strikes, one addition caught out: Jeff Skinner. A veteran with a particular knack for scoring objectives, the hope was he would mesh with Leon Draisaitl on the staff’s second line. Preseason and camp haven’t precisely mirrored that. On Monday, Skinner was taken off that line in on-ice periods, and changed by Mattias Janmark.
Skinner is an thrilling new addition for a number of causes. But Skinner finds himself additional down the line-up than anticipated, simply days away from the Oilers season opener. Ought to this be a trigger for concern?
Skinner Is Going To Be Necessary to the Oilers’ Success This Season
Coming into the preseason, many anticipated Skinner to make an impression instantly. It’s nonetheless early, however he’s not clicked in addition to most would have hoped. He went pointless in three preseason video games and was a plus/minus -4. The media spoke with Leon Drasaitl Monday about his potential reference to Viktor Arvidsson, however there was no point out of Skinner. It’s not a superb signal if there isn’t a lot pleasure about him being a part of the trio.
As a former 40-goal scorer, head coach Kris Knoblauch is probably going anticipating extra.
This can be a abdomen punch early for Skinner, who has spent the vast majority of his profession enjoying on traces one and two. Once more, it’s nonetheless early, however this raises the query of whether or not Skinner can produce the way in which he must.
Is Kris Knoblauch Sending An Early Message to Skinner?
Knoblauch’s demotion may very well be nothing greater than him making an attempt to jumpstart Skinner. By inserting him on a line that doesn’t mirror his expertise however displays his manufacturing, Skinner may be taught shortly his job is to attain and put up factors. There’s little room for errors in Edmonton and Knoblauch may be hoping this message will give Skinner a motive to start out enjoying his greatest hockey.
Even with the disappointing preseason numbers, Oil Nation shouldn’t panic but. Skinner had three underperforming nights, however this line is model new. Discovering footing on a brand new staff isn’t all the time straightforward so it’s greatest to provide everybody time to settle in. Skinner’s demotion is probably going short-term. Knoblauch stated this was extra about having flexibility and choices. He added that Skinner may very well be again with Draisaitl at follow tomorrow.
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