After being officially bought out by the Buffalo Sabres, veteran forward Jeff Skinner becomes an intriguing free agent option for the Edmonton Oilers. General manager Kevyn Adams confirmed the buyout, allowing the Sabres to alleviate the remaining three years of Skinner’s $9 million cap hit by absorbing a staggered cap hit across several years: $1.44 million in the first year, $4.44 million in the second, $6.44 million in the third, and $2.44 million annually for the subsequent three years.
Skinner, now 32 years old, holds the unfortunate NHL record for the most games played (1,006) without ever making a playoff appearance. This lack of postseason experience makes him a particularly interesting candidate for teams with strong playoff aspirations, such as the Edmonton Oilers. Given his career earnings, which will surpass $100 million after the buyout, Skinner might be inclined to sign a team-friendly deal in pursuit of a Stanley Cup.
Jason Gregor of Sports 1440 highlights the Oilers as a prime contender to sign Skinner when free agency opens on Monday. Gregor notes Skinner’s consistent scoring ability, pointing out his goal totals from the past three seasons: 33, 35, and 24, culminating in 82 points in the 2023 season. He suggests that Skinner’s desire for playoff success could lead him to accept a lower average annual value (AAV) contract to join a competitive team.
Other teams that could potentially attract Skinner’s interest include the Vegas Golden Knights, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Dallas Stars. However, the Lightning might prioritize making a significant offer to Jake Guentzel if he enters the market and doesn’t re-sign with the Carolina Hurricanes, possibly complicating their pursuit of Skinner.
For the Oilers, acquiring a top-six winger to pair with star center Leon Draisaitl is a critical need, especially as they aim to retain as many of their nine pending unrestricted free agents (UFAs) as possible. Skinner’s scoring prowess and experience would make him a valuable addition, providing a significant offensive threat to complement Draisaitl. This combination could enhance the Oilers’ depth and offensive capabilities, addressing a key area of need as they strive for deeper playoff runs.
The primary question remains: what contract terms would Skinner accept, and to what extent would he prioritize the chance to win over a higher salary? The opening of free agency on Monday will likely provide more clarity as teams, including the Oilers, vie for his services.
In summary, Jeff Skinner’s buyout from the Buffalo Sabres sets the stage for his potential signing with a playoff-contending team. The Edmonton Oilers, in particular, stand out as a strong fit given their need for a top-six winger and their competitive aspirations. Skinner’s decision will hinge on his willingness to accept a possibly lower salary in exchange for the opportunity to finally make a playoff run and contribute to a team’s quest for the Stanley Cup.
