Oilers forward Jeff Skinner gets harsh demotion amid trade rumors

What happened

Oilers forward Jeff Skinner has been demoted to the team's taxi squad, a move that comes amid trade rumors surrounding the veteran winger.

Skinner, 30, has struggled this season, posting just two goals and three assists in 13 games.

The demotion is a clear sign that the Oilers are no longer counting on Skinner as a regular contributor.

It also suggests that the team is actively trying to trade Skinner, who has one year remaining on his contract with a cap hit of $9 million.

Skinner's demotion is a significant development for the Oilers, who are currently in a playoff race.

The team needs to find a way to replace Skinner's production, and it's unclear if they have the pieces to do so internally.

The Oilers will continue to explore trade options for Skinner, but it's possible that he will remain with the team for the rest of the season.

If Skinner does remain with the Oilers, he will need to find a way to regain his form and earn back the trust of the coaching staff.