Edmonton Oilers Make Strategic Moves Ahead of the New Season
In a strategic move this offseason, the Edmonton Oilers have bolstered their roster by signing experienced forward Jeff Skinner to a one-year contract worth $3 million. This signing marks a significant addition for the Oilers as they aim to build on their near-miss performance from last season, where they came within a win of clinching the Stanley Cup.
Skinner, who was recently bought out by the Buffalo Sabres, brings a wealth of experience and scoring prowess to the Oilers. The forward's previous contract, an eight-year deal valued at $9 million annually, saw him net 40 goals in its first year. However, his performance dipped between 2019 and 2021, with Skinner scoring just 21 goals and 35 points over 112 games. Despite this, he rebounded in the 2021-22 season, scoring 30 goals and 63 points, and further improved in the 2022-23 season with 35 goals and a career-high 82 points.
Most recently, Skinner scored 24 goals and tallied 46 points, maintaining his status as a reliable scorer. Throughout his career, he has recorded six 20-goal seasons and three 30-goal seasons, predominantly with the Carolina Hurricanes. This track record makes Skinner a valuable addition to an Oilers team with Cup aspirations.
The Oilers created room for Skinner by buying out the final three years of goaltender Jack Campbell's contract, which was costing the team $5 million annually. This move illustrates the Oilers' commitment to maximizing their cap space and making strategic decisions to strengthen their roster.
Further bolstering their depth, the Oilers re-signed forwards Connor Brown and Corey Perry to one-year deals worth a combined $2.15 million. Additionally, they secured Viktor Arvidsson on a two-year deal worth $4 million annually and signed defenseman Josh Brown for three years at $1 million annually.
These moves come at a cost, however, as the Oilers enter the new season with less than $1.35 million in cap space. This tight cap situation leaves restricted free agents Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway still seeking new deals.
One notable departure is Warren Foegele, who signed a three-year contract with the Los Angeles Kings. Foegele's exit underscores the challenging financial decisions the Oilers have had to make this offseason.
The Oilers have not won a Stanley Cup since 1990, and the front office is clearly committed to ending that drought. With the addition of Skinner and the retention of key players, Edmonton is aiming to build on its recent success and make a deep playoff run.
As the new season approaches, the Oilers' roster moves reflect a calculated effort to balance talent, experience, and financial constraints. The team's ability to navigate the cap space challenges while signing impactful players will be crucial in their quest to bring the Stanley Cup back to Edmonton.