Oilers’ Jeff Skinner fined $2,000 for diving

On Monday, the National Hockey League announced it has fined Edmonton Oilers forward Jeff Skinner $2,000 in regards to NHL Rule 64, which pertains to diving and embellishment.

The fine comes after Skinner’s second citation for embellishing in order to draw a penalty. The 32-year-old was issued a warning after an incident that occurred in the Oilers’ 3-2 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes on Oct. 22.

However, the fee came after a play on Nov. 23 against the New York Rangers. Just past the halfway mark of the second period of Edmonton’s 6-2 win over the Rangers, Skinner hit the ice after trying to get away from defender K’Andre Miller.

There was no penalty called on the play. If Skinner were to get caught diving again, he would have to pay $3,000.

The money goes to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.

This is not the first time Skinner has faced supplemental discipline by the league. In March 2012, while as a member of the Hurricanes, Skinner was suspended two games for kicking Scott Nichol of the St. Louis Blues. Then, over 10 years later, while with the Buffalo Sabres, the Toronto native was banned three games for cross-checking then-Pittsburgh Penguins forward Jake Guentzel.

Skinner signed a one-year contract with the Oilers, with a cap hit of $3 million, after the remainder of his eight-year contract was bought out by the Sabres in June. Through 24 games, he has scored four goals and four assists for eight points. Skinner is only on pace to register around 27 points this year.

Through 1,030 games, Skinner has notched 361 goals and 317 assists for 678 points.

The Oilers (13-9-2) are tied for fourth in the Pacific Division with the rival Calgary Flames, five points back of the Vegas Golden Knights for first place.