This offseason, the Edmonton Oilers made a significant addition to their roster by signing Jeff Skinner, an experienced forward, to a one-year contract worth $3 million. Skinner, who was previously bought out by the Buffalo Sabres, is set to bring his scoring prowess and experience to an Oilers team that came agonizingly close to winning the Stanley Cup last season.
Skinner's Roller Coaster Journey
Jeff Skinner has had a turbulent career trajectory over the past few years. Following an outstanding debut season under his previous eight-year contract with the Buffalo Sabres—where he netted 40 goals in his first year—Skinner’s performance experienced a dip between 2019 and 2021. During this period, he managed to score only 21 goals and amassed 35 points over 112 games.
However, the last two seasons have seen a resurgence in Skinner's form. In the 2021-22 season, Skinner found the back of the net 30 times and racked up 63 points. He followed that up with an even more impressive 2022-23 season, registering 35 goals and achieving a career-high 82 points. Although this past season saw a slight decline, with Skinner scoring 24 goals and 46 points, his ability to consistently find scoring opportunities remains evident. Skinner’s career also includes six 20-goal seasons and three 30-goal seasons with the Carolina Hurricanes, making him a valuable addition to any team.
Making Room on the Roster
The Oilers’ management had to make some tough decisions to accommodate Skinner’s contract. One of these included buying out the final three years of goaltender Jack Campbell's contract, which carried a $5 million annual cap hit. Despite the financial maneuvering, Edmonton is entering the new season with less than $1.35 million in cap space, a testament to the tight salary cap management faced by the organization.
Additionally, the Oilers re-signed forwards Connor Brown and Corey Perry to one-year deals amounting to a combined $2.15 million. They also secured Viktor Arvidsson on a two-year deal worth $4 million annually and signed defenseman Josh Brown to a three-year contract at $1 million annually. These signings indicate the Oilers' strategic approach to balancing experienced talent with their existing roster dynamics.
Contract Challenges Ahead
As the Oilers gear up for the upcoming season, there are still some contractual challenges that need addressing. Restricted free agents Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway remain unsigned, and with limited cap space, the team must tread carefully in finalizing these deals. These young talents are expected to play crucial roles in Edmonton's ambitions to make another deep playoff run and challenge for the Stanley Cup.
Stanley Cup Aspirations
The Oilers have not hoisted the Stanley Cup since 1990, and last season’s near-miss has only fueled the team’s determination to end this drought. The acquisition of Jeff Skinner is expected to bolster the team's offensive arsenal and provide much-needed depth in scoring, especially in critical postseason matchups.
As the new season looms, the Oilers have made a bold statement with their offseason moves. By bringing in Skinner and making room for other strategic signings, they have set the stage for what promises to be an exciting and competitive campaign.