Oilers to scratch Jeff Skinner for third straight game

For now, the Edmonton Oilers appear to have decided they are better off without a significant off-season signing.

Forward Jeff Skinner appears headed to be made a healthy scratch for a third straight game on Wednesday when Edmonton pays a visit to the Minnesota Wild, Sportsnet’s Mark Spector reported.

Skinner skated with Derek Ryan on a makeshift fifth forward line at morning skate, per radio commentator Bob Stauffer, indicating the pair would likely not suit up against the Wild.

The 32-year-old Toronto native signed a one-year, $3-million contract with the Oilers on July 1 after he was bought out by the Buffalo Sabres.

A five-time 30-goal scorer and one-time 40-goal scorer, Skinner has struggled this season with Edmonton, scoring just seven goals and 15 points with a minus-10, leading to being bumped from the Oilers’ top six.

He’s averaging a career-low 12 minutes 36 seconds per game.

The Oilers have won each of their past two games with Skinner in the press box.