3. Misuse of Jeff Skinner
Even though this part of Peters’ tenure does not get in the spotlight too much, it’s an important factor to how he should be considered for his future with the organization. Assistant captain Jeff Skinner is in the midst of one of his worst seasons statistically with the Canes.
Skinner is also on pace to set a career low in the plus/minus department, and this is not the worst Canes team that he’s been on since he entered the league in 2010 either. Although Skinner does have 20 goals on the season, he’s still 17 short of the mark he posted last season.
The fact that Peters stuck Skinner on the third forward line for most of the season is egregious and should be dealt with come the off-season. Skinner is one of the best flat out scorers on the roster, and should be used as such. Since the return of Lee Stempniak to the lineup, Skinner has been all over the place in the lineup each game.
Skinner is also facing one of the worst shooting percentages he’s ever posted in his NHL career. Naming Skinner captain might not be the right move at this point, but he should have been considered when Peters named the captains for the Canes. Skinner’s market value has dropped tremendously because of the way his situation has been handled this season.