According to sources, the Oilers will pay Jeff Skinner $3M for a one year contract. Skinner was bought out of his eight year, $9M a season contract with the Buffalo Sabres earlier this week, but could provide incredible value at just $3M.
Now 32 years old, Skinner is a 1000+ game NHL veteran who's always had elite finishing talent. Drafted 7th overall by the Hurricanes in 2007, Skinner has scored 357 goals and 670 points in his career, often on brutal teams. Skinner has never played in the playoffs before, but will now have a sure shot at it with the Edmonton Oilers.
If Skinner plays in the Oilers top six alongside Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl, he could be an incredible offensive weapon. Just two years ago, Skinner scored 35 goals and 82 points in 79 games. Playing with elite talent on the Oilers, it's exciting to think that Skinner could have a career revival year.
Now adding Jeff Skinner and Victor Arvidsson into the top six, the Edmonton Oilers offence - which was already best in the league - just got a whole lot scarier. If the team keeps this up, they'll be looking much improved on a roster that already went to the Stanley Cup Final. These moves are going to skyrocket hopes in Edmonton for a repeat long playoff run.
