Edmonton Oilers close to signing former 40 goal scorer Jeff Skinner after buyout

Now according to breaking reports, the Edmonton Oilers are signing Jeff Skinner to a one year contract for $3M.

Skinner was drafted 7th overall by the Carolina Hurricanes in 2010, and is now a 1006 game NHL veteran. His previous contract of $9M for 8 years was bought out by the Buffalo Sabres this week, and now Skinner could be looking to take a value deal with a contending team. In his entire career, the 32 year old Skinner has never played in the playoffs.

Even on a struggling Buffalo Sabres team, Jeff Skinner has always shown elite offensive and finishing talent. In 2022-23, Skinner scored 35 goals and 82 points. Last season his production decreased, but in the Oilers top six, Jeff Skinner would be able to put up elite offensive numbers.

If the Oilers can sign Skinner to a lower end salary while he comes off a $9M buyout, it could become one of the better value contracts in the NHL if he can succeed as a winger for Leon Draisaitl. Also acquiring Victory Arvidsson, this could be the Edmonton Oilers sending a message to Leon Draisaitl before he becomes a free agent that the team is prioritizing finding linemates for him.

So far, the Edmonton Oilers are looking like big winners of free agency, and they likely won't be done yet. They're also reported to be trying to move salary by trading Cody Ceci and Evander Kane, meaning they still may be in the market to sign more players.

Today's success has been a strong first impression from President Jeff Jackson running the team. The Oilers moves today, and their moves reported to be coming, all point to making the team significantly better next season.

Source: Ryan Rishaug