In a significant shake-up this offseason, the Edmonton Oilers have bolstered their ranks by signing seasoned forward Jeff Skinner to a one-year contract worth $3 million. Not long after being bought out by the Buffalo Sabres, Skinner is poised to bring his scoring prowess to an Oilers team hungry for success.
Although the Edmonton Oilers came agonizingly close to clinching the Stanley Cup last season, falling just one win short, the acquisition of Skinner could be the final piece in their championship puzzle. Skinner's journey to Edmonton has been a rollercoaster, but his track record speaks volumes. Known for his scoring touch, Skinner started his previous contract—a hefty eight-year deal valued at $9 million annually—with a bang, netting 40 goals in his first year.
Over the following seasons, however, Skinner's performance saw mixed results. Between 2019 and 2021, he managed 21 goals and 35 points over 112 games, but he rebounded with an impressive 30-goal, 63-point season in 2021-22. Last season, Skinner reached new heights, registering 35 goals and a career-high 82 points. Yet, despite these impressive numbers, his recent output dipped to 24 goals and 46 points, leading to his buyout from the Sabres.
Adding to Skinner's impressive résumé are six 20-goal seasons and three 30-goal seasons with the Carolina Hurricanes, demonstrating his consistent ability to find the back of the net. The Oilers, evidently, believe that Skinner still has plenty left in the tank and can inject fresh energy into their forward line.
The Oilers' management had to make some tough decisions to bring Skinner on board. They cleared cap space by buying out the final three years of goaltender Jack Campbell's contract, which had been costing the team $5 million annually. This strategic move, although difficult, allowed them the flexibility to make significant roster changes.
In addition to signing Skinner, the Oilers made several other notable acquisitions this offseason. They re-signed forwards Connor Brown and Corey Perry to one-year deals, cumulatively worth $2.15 million. Viktor Arvidsson was secured for a two-year deal with an annual value of $4 million, adding depth and experience to their roster. Furthermore, defenseman Josh Brown inked a three-year contract at $1 million annually, reinforcing their blue line.
However, not all the news was about acquisitions; the Oilers also saw some departures. Warren Foegele signed a three-year contract with the Los Angeles Kings, parting ways with Edmonton. As the new season looms, the Oilers find themselves with less than $1.35 million in cap space, and they still face the task of negotiating new deals for restricted free agents Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway.
Despite the cap crunch, the Oilers' recent signings reflect a determined effort to end a long drought. The team has not hoisted the Stanley Cup since 1990, a dry spell that has weighed heavily on the franchise and its passionate fanbase. With Skinner now in the fold, the Oilers are banking on his scoring ability and veteran leadership to provide the spark they need.
As the offseason unfolds, it remains to be seen how all these moves will translate on the ice. Yet, one thing is certain: the Edmonton Oilers are making a bold statement that they are not content to rest on last season's near-miss. They are fully committed to assembling a roster capable of mounting another serious run at the Stanley Cup. Jeff Skinner's addition is a testament to that ambition, and Oilers fans will be watching closely as the new season approaches.