Oilers new star forward bumped down to a bottom 6 role

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Finnegan Frost
October 8, 2024 (8:33)

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Breaking news in Oil Country as the Oilers newest star forward Jeff Skinner has been demoted to a bottom 6 role ahead of the season opener against the Winnipeg Jets.

According to Oilers insider Jim Matheson, during yesterday's practice, Mattias Janmark was promoted to the top 6 playing alongside Leon Draisaitl on the wing, and Jeff Skinner finds himself demoted ahead of the home opener against the Winnipeg Jets on Oct. 9th. As it stands, the starting lineup has been set, and Skinner finds himself in a bottom 6 role.

Mark Spector, a controversial reporter for the Oilers has also called out Jeff Skinner, stating that his preseason campaign with the Oilers has been "a less than pedestrian camp". Spector also mentions that this should be a kick in the pants for Skinner, further indicating that the all-star forward must get his game going as soon as possible.

According to Liam McCormick of Oilers Daily, Skinner had a slow preseason which may not help his case to stay up in the lineup, but Coach Knoblauch may be making this move for other reasons. Connor Brown and Mattias Janmark combined for only 8 regular season goals last season, and getting some offence on the third line is a need for the team. Oilers reporter Mark Spector said this may be a way to jolt Skinner after a disappointing camp, though.

Contrary to what Spector believes, this might not be a demotion after all. Head coach Kris Knoblauch explained in a post practice media availability that he's interested at seeing different line combinations, with the potential of Skinner and Henrique potentially developing some chemistry.

The Oilers media has been hitting the panic button ever since the Oilers lost their last preseason game to the Vancouver Canucks by a score of 4-1. Reporters like Mark Spector tend to always assume the worst, while never quite knowing the extent of the full story.

Yes, as it stand, Jeff Skinner has been demoted to a bottom 6 role ahead of the season opener tomorrow. But in all honesty, head coach Kris Knoblauch could be simply be interested in mixing up the lines to see if Skinner can find some much needed chemistry with other members of the forward group.

Head coach Kris Knoblauch knows exactly what he's doing. Skinner still has the potential of scoring 40+ goals, and fans can fully anticipate seeing Skinner back in the top 6 in the coming days.