In a strategic off-season maneuver, the Edmonton Oilers have bolstered their roster by signing seasoned forward Jeff Skinner to a one-year contract worth $3 million. The move follows Skinner's buyout by the Buffalo Sabres, where he was previously tied to an eight-year deal valued at $9 million annually.
The addition of Skinner is poised to bring a new level of experience and scoring potential to an Oilers squad that came within a win of clinching the Stanley Cup last season. Skinner's track record includes six 20-goal seasons and three 30-goal campaigns during his tenure with the Carolina Hurricanes, showcasing his consistent offensive prowess.
A Rollercoaster Ride
Skinner's journey has been a mix of highs and lows. During his first year under the hefty eight-year contract with the Sabres, he netted an impressive 40 goals. However, his performance dipped between 2019 and 2021, where he managed just 21 goals and 35 points over 112 games. Despite this, he found his footing again, scoring 30 goals and 63 points in the 2021-22 season and achieving a career-high 82 points with 35 goals in the 2022-23 season.
Most recently, Skinner registered 24 goals and 46 points, a solid contribution but one that perhaps did not justify his previous $9 million annual salary, leading to the buyout by Buffalo. This mixed performance history brings both promise and a degree of uncertainty to his new role with the Oilers.
Roster Reshuffle
The Oilers made room for Skinner by buying out the final three years of goaltender Jack Campbell's contract, which was costing the team $5 million annually. This financial maneuvering was crucial for Edmonton, which now enters the new season with less than $1.35 million in cap space. The team still needs to secure new deals for restricted free agents Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway, underscoring the tight salary cap situation.
In addition to signing Skinner, the Oilers have been active in renewing and acquiring other talents. They re-signed forwards Connor Brown and Corey Perry to one-year deals worth a combined $2.15 million. Additionally, the team secured Viktor Arvidsson on a two-year deal valued at $4 million annually and inked defenseman Josh Brown to a three-year contract at $1 million annually. Notably, Warren Foegele departed for the Los Angeles Kings with a three-year deal, creating further cap space for the Oilers' new acquisitions.
High Stakes for the Oilers
The Oilers are clearly aiming for the top, building on their near-victory last season. The addition of Skinner, despite the ups and downs of his career, is seen as a calculated risk to add depth and scoring ability to the roster. His ability to bounce back in the last two seasons and his potential to reach his former 40-goal form could prove pivotal for Edmonton.
For Skinner, the one-year contract serves as a crucial opportunity to prove his worth. With the Oilers last lifting the Stanley Cup in 1990, the hunger for a championship is palpable. Skinner's performance this season could be the difference-maker in propelling the team to that elusive victory.
As Edmonton prepares to launch into a new season with aspirations of finishing what they nearly accomplished last year, all eyes will be on Skinner and the Oilers' reconfigured lineup. The balance of veteran skill and rising talent underscores a pivotal moment for the team and its fans, who hope that this blend will finally break their long-standing championship drought.