Edmonton Oilers healthy scratch Jeff Skinner for third straight game
The Edmonton Oilers are hearing up for another playoff style game tonight against the Minnesota Wild, but forward Jeff Skinner continues to be on the outside looking in. According to Oilers insider Tony Brar, forward Jeff Skinner will be watching tonight's game from the press box, marking his 3rd healthy scratch in a row.
As much as I've been rooting for Skinner all season long - it just hasn't worked out.
According to Liam McCormick of Oilers Daily, It's shocking to see Jeff Skinner scratched for a third straight game, as well. After being bumped down to the fourth line all season, it's clear that Skinner just doesn't fit with the Oilers.
Earlier this season, former Oiler Jason Strudwick said the team and Skinner could work together to facilitate a trade to a contending team.
- Jason Strudwick
The Jeff Skinner acquisition is only hurting the team. His steep $3 million AAV per season price-tag is proving too costly for his current level of production, and that money could be spent elsewhere.
While it's important to note that Jeff Skinner has a full NTC, perhaps it's time for Stan Bowman to start working a strategy for Skinner to waive it.
Personally, its tough to say wether or not Skinner would be interested moving, but waiving his NMC and embracing a change of scenery could help spark his offensive groove.
While Skinner was looking forward to his first ever playoff appearance, it seems that the veteran forward has an expiration date in Oil Country.
