Edmonton Oilers forward Jeff Skinner has been fined $2,000 for embellishment during a recent game against the New York Rangers, the NHL said Monday
The NHL has fined Edmonton Oilers forward Jeff Skinner $2,000 for embellishment following an incident during a recent game. Skinner, known for his offensive contributions to the Oilers, was assessed the fine after the league reviewed a sequence in which he was awarded a minor penalty for drawing a tripping call against the opposing team.
The play in question occurred during the second period of Edmonton’s game against the [team] on [date]. Skinner was seen going down after what appeared to be minimal contact from an opposing player. The referee initially issued a tripping penalty, but following further review, the NHL Department of Player Safety determined that Skinner had exaggerated the effect of the contact to draw the penalty.
Embellishment, a violation that occurs when a player exaggerates or embellishes a fall or injury to deceive the officials into calling a penalty, is something the NHL takes seriously. The league has taken steps to crack down on this behavior in recent seasons, and players caught engaging in such actions can face fines or even suspension. In this instance, Skinner was fined $2,000, the maximum allowable fine for a first-time embellishment offense under the NHL’s collective bargaining agreement.
While the fine is not expected to have a significant impact on Skinner’s gameplay or the Oilers’ season, it serves as a reminder to all players in the league that the NHL is vigilant about maintaining the integrity of officiating and ensuring fair play. Skinner will likely be more cautious in future situations where his actions could be interpreted as embellishment. The Oilers forward, who is in his first full season with the team, has contributed significantly to Edmonton’s offensive attack, and this fine will be a learning experience as he continues his career in the NHL.
