The Edmonton Oilers are playing the second half of a back to back against the rebuilding Chicago Blackhawks, and Coach Knoblauch is taking the opportunity to majorly mix up the lines.

Jeff Skinner played Wednesday night with Leon Draisaitl not because he was supposed to be there all along, or he was a top-six guy being wasted among depth forwards. No. It was because Skinner earned the promotion.

He also endured a few rocky seasons with the Sabres that ended in him being bought out. In his first year with the Edmonton Oilers, he’s gone from a high-profile free-agent signee to someone struggling to get into the lineup.

Jeff Skinner’s tenure with the Edmonton Oilers hasn’t gone exactly as planned, but his recent performances suggest he’s determined to carve out a bigger role for himself.