The Edmonton Oilers made a significant offseason splash by signing veteran forward Jeff Skinner to a one-year contract worth $3 million. This move comes after Skinner was bought out by the Buffalo Sabres, where his performance had fluctuated in recent years.
Skinner's career has been a roller-coaster. After signing an eight-year deal valued at $9 million annually with the Sabres, he impressed with 40 goals in his first season. However, his productivity dipped over the next two seasons, netting just 21 goals and 35 points over 112 games between 2019 and 2021. The 2021-22 season marked a resurgence for Skinner, as he posted 30 goals and 63 points. His upward trajectory continued into the 2022-23 season, where he notched 35 goals and reached a career-high 82 points. Despite a recent season with 24 goals and 46 points, the Sabres opted to buy out the remaining years of his contract.
The Oilers have high hopes that Skinner can inject additional firepower into an already potent lineup. Last season, the Oilers were on the brink of glory, coming within a single win of the Stanley Cup. With Skinner's knack for scoring, evidenced by his six 20-goal seasons and three 30-goal seasons during his stint with the Carolina Hurricanes, the Oilers aim to finally break their Cup drought that has persisted since 1990.
Creating space for Skinner wasn’t straightforward. Edmonton had to buy out the final three years of goaltender Jack Campbell's contract, which was costing the team $5 million annually. This strategic move freed up the necessary cap space for Skinner's acquisition.
Other Offseason Moves
The Oilers have been active in the market beyond the Skinner deal. Key signings include re-upping forwards Connor Brown and Corey Perry for a combined $2.15 million on one-year deals. Additionally, Viktor Arvidsson was secured on a two-year contract worth $4 million annually, and defenseman Josh Brown joined the Oilers on a three-year deal at $1 million annually.
To balance the books, Edmonton saw Warren Foegele depart, signing a three-year contract with the Los Angeles Kings. These transactions, combined with Campbell’s buyout, have positioned the Oilers with less than $1.35 million in cap space heading into the new season.
Looking Ahead
As the season approaches, the Oilers still face some financial maneuvering. Restricted free agents Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway are yet to ink new deals, which further strains the tight cap situation. These budding talents are vital to Edmonton's roster depth and performance aspirations in the coming season.
Skinner's signing symbolizes the Oilers' commitment to overcoming their near-miss last year and striving for Stanley Cup success. Whether this mix of veteran prowess and strategic roster adjustments will propel the Oilers to the championship remains to be seen. Nonetheless, Edmonton fans can be hopeful that their team is assembling the right pieces for a formidable Cup run.