In a strategic move during the offseason, the Edmonton Oilers have strengthened their lineup by signing experienced forward Jeff Skinner to a one-year contract worth $3 million. This acquisition comes on the heels of Skinner being bought out by the Buffalo Sabres, where he previously signed an eight-year deal valued at $9 million annually.
Skinner's First Year with the Sabres
Jeff Skinner made an immediate impact in his first year with the Sabres, netting an impressive 40 goals under his long-term contract. However, his performance saw fluctuations in the subsequent seasons. Between 2019 and 2021, he managed to score 21 goals and register 35 points over 112 games, which was a stark contrast to his initial success.
Rediscovery of Form
The 2021-22 season marked Skinner's resurgence as he found the back of the net 30 times and accumulated 63 points. He built on this momentum in the 2022-23 season, registering 35 goals and a career-high 82 points, which demonstrated his ability to regain his elite scoring touch. Most recently, Skinner added 24 goals and 46 points to his tally, indicating a consistent offensive output.
Career Highlights
Over his career, Skinner has established himself as a formidable scorer, boasting six 20-goal seasons and three 30-goal seasons with the Carolina Hurricanes. This wealth of experience and knack for scoring is what the Oilers are banking on to drive their assault on the Stanley Cup.
Oilers' Roster Maneuvers
To make room for Skinner, the Oilers decided to buy out the final three years of goaltender Jack Campbell's contract, which was accounting for $5 million annually against their cap. This bold move underscores Edmonton’s commitment to maximizing their current window for a championship run.
An Offseason of Smart Acquisitions
The Oilers were active in the market, re-signing forwards Connor Brown and Corey Perry to one-year deals worth a combined $2.15 million. Moreover, they secured Viktor Arvidsson on a two-year deal, with an annual cap hit of $4 million, and added defenseman Josh Brown for three years at $1 million annually. Concurrently, Warren Foegele inked a three-year contract with the Los Angeles Kings.
Cap Space Considerations
Heading into the new season, Edmonton is operating with less than $1.35 million in cap space, which puts them in a tight spot. They still need to secure new deals for restricted free agents Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway. These negotiations will necessitate some creative cap management by the Oilers' front office.
Aiming for the Cup
The Oilers came agonizingly close to winning the Stanley Cup last season, falling just one win short. With the addition of a seasoned scorer like Jeff Skinner and the strategic off-season moves they've made, they are poised to be strong contenders once again. Notably, the franchise is hungry for its first Stanley Cup since 1990, and this year’s roster revisions aim to finally break that prolonged drought.
As the new season looms, Edmonton's fans, players, and management hope that these calculated acquisitions will yield the ultimate reward. The integration of Jeff Skinner into an already potent lineup could be the final piece in a championship puzzle for the Oilers.