Oilers coach Knoblauch admits a hard truth about Jeff Skinner before facing Buffalo Sabres

Knoblauch will be inserting Jeff Skinner onto the third line today after being scratched the last three games, and it feels like a formality to play against his former team.

After the trade deadline, Coach Knoblauch must have had the free rein to speak candidly about the pending free agent Jeff Skinner - his style of play isn't what his team is looking for.

The Oilers coach even seems to recognize that Skinner's play has greatly improved from the beginning of the season, but still, he's been their forward to be scratched most often.

These comments from the coach seem to call back to a previous assessment of Jeff Skinner, where Knoblauch seemed to imply the career sniper's defence can be a drag - and the Oilers have a surplus of quality bottom six players.

Skinner has been healthy scratched for 10 games this season. In his 53 games, mostly in bottom six minutes, he's produced 11 goals and 21 points, but also owns a -6 rating. Through the season, he's barely seen any ice time with McDavid or Draisaitl.

The reality is, Knoblauch doesn't see anywhere that he can deploy a slow sniper with weaker defensive play. Skinner just hasn't been a good fit for Knoblauch's vision for the Oilers, and after tonight's game, it's likely he'll hit the press box again. When Evander Kane and Trent Frederic return, Skinner likely won't play at all.

At this point it's very clear the Oilers will let Skinner walk in free agency this year and will be free to spend his $3M salary elsewhere. However, it's a tough look for the veteran player, and he'll have to prove himself with a bounce back year next season.