This offseason has been anything but quiet for the Edmonton Oilers as they navigate a flurry of roster moves in hopes of finally reclaiming NHL supremacy. A significant addition to their lineup is the signing of seasoned forward Jeff Skinner to a one-year contract worth $3 million. Skinner, recently bought out by the Buffalo Sabres, brings a wealth of experience and scoring ability to an Oilers team that was just one win shy of clinching the Stanley Cup last season.
A New Chapter for Skinner
Jeff Skinner's arrival in Edmonton marks a fresh start for the 31-year-old forward, whose previous eight-year deal with Buffalo was valued at $9 million annually. Skinner surged out of the gates during his inaugural season on that contract, netting an impressive 40 goals. Despite a dip in performance between 2019 and 2021, where he posted 21 goals and 35 points over 112 games, Skinner steadily bounced back. He recorded 30 goals and 63 points in the 2021-22 season, followed by a career-high 82 points while netting 35 goals in the 2022-23 campaign.
In his most recent season, Skinner continued to showcase his offensive prowess, scoring 24 goals and 46 points. With six 20-goal seasons and three 30-goal seasons during his tenure with the Carolina Hurricanes, Skinner's consistent output is expected to be a valuable asset for the Oilers' offensive unit.
Creating Cap Space
To make room under the salary cap for Skinner's arrival, the Edmonton Oilers made a strategic decision to buy out the final three years of goaltender Jack Campbell's contract, which carried a $5 million annual cap hit. The Oilers' front office didn't stop there, also re-signing forwards Connor Brown and Corey Perry to one-year deals worth a combined $2.15 million. Moreover, they secured Viktor Arvidsson on a two-year agreement worth $4 million annually and locked in defenseman Josh Brown for three years at $1 million annually.
Even with these signings, Edmonton enters the new season with less than $1.35 million in cap space and still needs to address the contracts of restricted free agents Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway.
Aiming to Break the Drought
The Oilers have not won a Stanley Cup since their championship run in 1990, making it over three decades since they last hoisted the coveted trophy. The franchise's near-miss last season has galvanized the team and its fanbase, highlighting the urgency and determination to end the long drought.
While the addition of Skinner bolsters their forward depth, it also signals a strong intent to challenge for the Cup once again. Alongside superstars such as Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, Skinner's presence is expected to provide a scoring boost and veteran leadership, crucial for deep playoff runs.
Offseason Maneuvers
Rounding out their notable offseason moves, the Oilers saw Warren Foegele depart to the Los Angeles Kings with a three-year contract. This departure, coupled with their other transactions, reflects a retooling phase aimed at optimizing the roster for a deep playoff push.
The Oilers' management will need to meticulously navigate the tight cap situation, particularly with Broberg and Holloway's new deals still pending. As the new season approaches, all eyes will be on how these roster changes integrate and whether they can propel the Oilers to the ultimate goal.
The anticipation is palpable, and with the infusion of talent and experience that Jeff Skinner brings, the Edmonton Oilers have set their sights high, hoping that this blend of strategy and strength finally leads them back to Stanley Cup glory.