In a major shift this offseason, the Edmonton Oilers have made a significant addition to their roster by signing veteran forward Jeff Skinner to a one-year contract worth $3 million. This comes after Skinner was bought out by the Buffalo Sabres, marking a fresh chapter in his professional career.
Oilers Eyeing Another Stanley Cup Run
The Oilers fell just one win short of clinching the Stanley Cup last season, and the addition of Skinner could provide the extra firepower needed to go all the way. Skinner's track record speaks for itself; his career has been dotted with impressive stats and game-changing performances. In his first year under a hefty eight-year contract with the Sabres, he scored 40 goals, showcasing his scoring prowess.
While his performance dipped between 2019 and 2021 with only 21 goals and 35 points over 112 games, Skinner bounced back strongly. In the 2021-22 season, he netted 30 goals and added 63 points to his name, followed by an even more stellar 2022-23 season where he posted a career-high 82 points, with 35 goals. Most recently, Skinner registered 24 goals and 46 points, proving he still has plenty left in the tank.
Cap Space Maneuvering
The Oilers' front office had to make some strategic maneuvers to bring Skinner on board. To create cap space, Edmonton opted to buy out the final three years of goaltender Jack Campbell’s contract, which was costing the team $5 million annually. This decisive move made room for Skinner's $3 million deal and further signings.
In addition to acquiring Skinner, the Oilers retained key forwards Connor Brown and Corey Perry on one-year deals worth a combined $2.15 million. They also secured Viktor Arvidsson for two years at $4 million annually and signed defenseman Josh Brown to a three-year contract at $1 million annually.
Challenges Ahead
Despite these strategic additions, the Oilers still have some financial balancing to do. Heading into the new season, they have less than $1.35 million in cap space, with restricted free agents Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway still requiring new deals. The team faces a delicate balancing act as they aim to remain competitive while managing the salary cap constraints.
On the departure front, Warren Foegele has signed a three-year contract with the Los Angeles Kings, freeing up additional space but also leaving a gap that the Oilers will need to address.
Aiming for Glory
The Oilers have not lifted the Stanley Cup since 1990, making this upcoming season pivotal. The franchise and its fans are hungry for success, and the recent roster changes reflect a clear intent to build a team capable of challenging for hockey's most coveted prize. Skinner, with six 20-goal seasons and three 30-goal seasons during his tenure with the Carolina Hurricanes, brings a wealth of experience and goal-scoring ability.
His addition to an already formidable lineup could be the catalyst Edmonton needs to end their long-standing Stanley Cup drought. With the right blend of seasoned veterans and rising stars, the Oilers are setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting and potentially historic season.