That’s who Jeff Skinner is though. A scorer whose offensive skills are supposed to make up for his softness/defensive inefficiencies. If the Oilers were expecting anything different I don’t know why we even brought him in. He’s not going to change his game or work his way up from the fourth line. Krueger tried that already. If he isn’t playing in a scoring role he is probably better off in the press box.
Came here to post almost exactly this. Good post.
As awful as Skinner has been in the last few games, I think the coach needs to own his share of the blame.
The Oilers signed a 30+ player knowing full well what he is, yet the coach treats him like some rookie that needs to be taught responsible hockey or something. He is not that player and we don't have that time. You're just neutering him at this point, tanking his confidence.
Like you said, Buffalo put him on the 4th line and it didn't help. Back in the top six he started producing again for them, at least for a time.
If we want value for this player that we couldn't get rid of even if we wanted to, we need to give him more than three shifts on a good line when he has a good stretch. Instead Knoblauch punishes him with 4th-line minutes for several games after those few shifts.
I love Knob but this is Eakins level stuff in my opinion.
