Jeff Jackson and the Edmonton Oilers may have a homerun on their hands.
EDMONTON -- The work hasn't stopped for the Edmonton Oilers.
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It's been a whirlwind in Oil Country since the final buzzer sounded in Game seven of the Stanley Cup Final. It's now August and free agency has died completely, with no trades on the near horizon.
The Oilers could have one of the best, if not the best free agent signing of the entire summer.
Jeff Skinner signed with the Oilers late on July 1st. He was recently bought out by the Buffalo Sabres after registering 46 points in 74 games on a $9-million contract.
Before that, he had back-to-back 30+ goal seasons for the Sabres. In 2022-23 he recorded a career high 82 points in 80 games. He scored 35 goals on 241 shots while averaging 17:24 of ice time.
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Only 21 of those 82 points came on the power play. That is where Skinner will help the Oilers the most, in even strength goal scoring.
During that season his most common linemates were Alex Tuch and Tage Thompson. The trio quickly developed chemistry, as they saw even strength and power play minutes together. Thompson himself had a massive 94-point, 47 goal campaign that year. Tuch finished the season with 36 goals and 79 points.
Back in 2018-19 Skinner reached a career high in goals. That year he scored 40 goals playing alongside Jack Eichel and Sam Reinhart.
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Skinner will play with one of Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. With that kind of firepower at center a 30-goal, 60 point season is not out of the question.
And $3-million for a 60-point player is not an outrageous amount of money to spend.
Skinner could get over 40 goals easily this year. With that kind of upside, this deal has the potential to be Zach Hyman-esque in terms of value.
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