In a significant move this offseason, the Edmonton Oilers have bolstered their roster by signing seasoned forward Jeff Skinner to a one-year contract worth $3 million. This signing signifies the Oilers' commitment to making a deeper run in the NHL season, especially after coming within a win of clinching the Stanley Cup last year.
Skinner, who was recently bought out by the Buffalo Sabres, brings a wealth of experience and scoring prowess to Edmonton. His addition is not just a strategic acquisition but also a hopeful boost in their quest to end a Stanley Cup drought that has stretched since 1990.
Skinner's Impressive Track Record
The former Sabres forward is no stranger to high expectations. Skinner's previous contract was an eight-year deal valued at $9 million annually, with a remarkable start under it, netting 40 goals in his first year. However, things took a turn following the 2018-19 season. Between 2019 and 2021, Skinner managed to score just 21 goals and 35 points over 112 games, which led to criticism and eventually his buyout by the Sabres.
Rebounding in the 2021-22 season, Skinner showcased his scoring ability once more, tallying 30 goals and 63 points. He built on this resurgence by recording 35 goals and a career-high 82 points in the 2022-23 season. Most recently, Skinner contributed 24 goals and 46 points, reaffirming his value as a consistent offensive threat.
Throughout his career, Skinner has demonstrated an ability to perform at a high level with six 20-goal seasons and three 30-goal seasons. These achievements, accumulated during his stint with the Carolina Hurricanes, solidify his reputation as a reliable scorer.
Oilers Make Space for Skinner
In order to accommodate Skinner's contract, the Oilers had to make some tough decisions. They opted to buy out the final three years of goaltender Jack Campbell's contract, which was costing the team $5 million annually. This maneuver provided the necessary cap space to secure Skinner's services without sacrificing the team’s financial flexibility too greatly.
Additional Moves to Bolster the Roster
In addition to Skinner, the Oilers have been active in retaining and signing other key players to fortify their roster. The team re-signed forwards Connor Brown and Corey Perry to one-year deals worth a combined $2.15 million. Adding to this, Edmonton secured Viktor Arvidsson on a two-year deal valued at $4 million annually, and defenseman Josh Brown was brought in on a three-year contract, earning $1 million annually.
However, the Oilers did see some departures. Warren Foegele signed a three-year contract with the Los Angeles Kings, indicating a shift as Edmonton balances its roster dynamics.
As it stands, Edmonton enters the new season with less than $1.35 million in cap space, presenting a tight budgeting challenge. Restricted free agents Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway still need new deals, adding another layer of complexity to the team’s financial planning.
Aiming for Glory
With the recent signings and roster adjustments, the Edmonton Oilers are clearly poised to make another determined push toward the Stanley Cup. The addition of Jeff Skinner, backed by his proven track record, is expected to provide the necessary scoring depth they need. As the Oilers look to build on their near-miss from last season, the team’s strategic maneuvers in the offseason underscore their ambition and readiness to compete at the highest level.
All eyes will be on Edmonton as they navigate the upcoming season, aiming to break their long-standing title drought and secure the coveted Stanley Cup.