NHL Analyst Suggests A Trade Is Coming For Struggling Edmonton Oilers Forward
Photo credit: AP Photo/David Zalubowski
Jeff Skinner has been struggling this year for the Oilers, and an NHL analyst now believes the team is likely working on a trade to ship him out of town.
The Edmonton Oilers loaded up in free agency this summer when veterans Victor Arvidsson and Jeff Skinner came aboard for forwards Ryan McLeod and Dylan Holloway.
The thinking being the more experienced duo would allow the group to meet its full potential. That gamble hasn't paid off. Ryan McLeod's gone on to great success elsewhere, as has Dylan Holloway, while Jeff Skinner hasn't done much of anything.
Skinner has 12 points in 31 games and is slowly being demoted through the lineup, making people wonder if he will be here next season. Even former Oiler defenceman Jason Strudwick says a trade might be best.
"I believe there's going to be a mutual agreement to say guys, this just isn't working out. Let's find a solution where we're going to get the chance to move you to someplace you can play and play more. He's not a fourth-liner."
- Jason Strudwick
- Jason Strudwick
That's been the case with Skinner, too, projected to fit in on the second line. On the flip side, should that player fail to meet expectations, then logical cause exists for both teams to meet on a trade.
To Edmonton, it returns some worthy assets, and Skinner may get the continuous playing time he seems to require to bounce back. It remains to be seen how serious the Oilers are with trading Skinner.
Yes, he brings a little stability to the roster during these injury-ish times, but that does absolutely nothing to help either side of it. This might be the best avenue for Skinner and the team.
Previously on HockeyLatest
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 19 | 115 ANSWERS NHL Analyst Suggests A Trade Is Coming For Struggling Edmonton Oilers Forward Will this be Jeff Skinner's last season in Edmonton? | ||
| Yes | 99 | 86.1 % |
| No | 16 | 13.9 % |
| List of polls | ||