The Edmonton Oilers have made a significant move this offseason by signing experienced forward Jeff Skinner to a one-year contract worth $3 million. This decision marks an important step for a team that came tantalizingly close to clinching the Stanley Cup last season, falling just one win short of the ultimate prize.
Skinner, who was recently bought out by the Buffalo Sabres, brings a wealth of experience and scoring ability to the Oilers. His previous contract was an eight-year deal valued at $9 million annually, but his journey with Buffalo ended on a different note. Despite a rocky period between 2019 and 2021, where he scored 21 goals and 35 points over 112 games, Skinner has shown a remarkable ability to bounce back.
In the 2021-22 season, Skinner netted 30 goals and 63 points, and he followed up with an even more impressive 2022-23 campaign, registering 35 goals and a career-high 82 points. Most recently, Skinner scored 24 goals and posted 46 points, cementing his reputation as a consistent offensive threat. With six 20-goal seasons and three 30-goal seasons during his tenure with the Carolina Hurricanes, Skinner's scoring touch has never been in question.
To accommodate Skinner's arrival, the Oilers made the difficult decision to buy out the final three years of goaltender Jack Campbell's contract, which was costing the team $5 million annually. This move not only provides the necessary cap space but also signifies the Oilers' commitment to bolstering their roster for another deep playoff run.
In addition to Skinner, the Oilers have made several other key signings this offseason. Forwards Connor Brown and Corey Perry have been re-signed to one-year deals worth a combined $2.15 million, adding depth and experience to the lineup. Viktor Arvidsson has been secured on a two-year deal worth $4 million annually, bringing a blend of speed and scoring ability. Defenseman Josh Brown was also signed for three years at $1 million annually, fortifying the team's defensive corps.
However, departures are part and parcel of the offseason, and the Oilers bid farewell to Warren Foegele, who signed a three-year contract with the Los Angeles Kings. Edmonton enters the new season with less than $1.35 million in cap space, placing a premium on strategic moves and efficient cap management.
Restricted free agents Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway still need new deals, presenting another layer of complexity for the Oilers' front office. Balancing the cap while retaining young talent will be crucial as the team aims to sustain its momentum and contend for a championship.
The Oilers have not won a Stanley Cup since 1990, and the addition of a proven scorer like Jeff Skinner could be the catalyst needed to end that drought. With a roster brimming with talent and the memory of last season's near-miss driving their resolve, the Oilers are poised to make a significant impact in the upcoming season.