In a series of strategic moves this offseason, the Edmonton Oilers have considerably reshaped their roster, headlined by the signing of Jeff Skinner to a one-year contract worth $3 million. The acquisition of the seasoned forward, recently bought out by the Buffalo Sabres, is poised to bolster an already formidable Oilers lineup as they aim to build on their near triumph from last season when they came within one win of clinching the Stanley Cup.
Skinner’s addition is particularly notable given his previously hefty contract with the Sabres, an eight-year deal worth $9 million annually. Although his tenure with Buffalo ended abruptly, Skinner has demonstrated his scoring prowess over the years, highlighted by a stellar 40-goal campaign in his first season under the eight-year agreement. Despite a dip in production between 2019 and 2021, where he recorded 21 goals and 35 points across 112 games, Skinner rebounded impressively with a 30-goal, 63-point performance in the 2021-22 season. Just last season, he registered 35 goals and attained a career-high 82 points. This resurgence underscores the potential value that Skinner could bring to the Oilers.
The Oilers made concerted efforts to create cap space for Skinner’s contract, notably by buying out the final three years of goaltender Jack Campbell's deal, which had been costing the team $5 million per annum. This deft financial maneuvering has allowed Edmonton to not only bring in Skinner but also make several other significant signings.
Reinforcements Across the Roster
Alongside Skinner, the Oilers re-signed forwards Connor Brown and Corey Perry to one-year deals worth a combined total of $2.15 million, further reinforcing their offensive depth. Viktor Arvidsson's acquisition on a two-year deal at $4 million annually adds another layer of talent, promising dynamic play and experience. On the defensive end, the Oilers secured Josh Brown with a three-year contract valued at $1 million annually, bolstering their backline stability.
The strategic moves didn’t stop there, as Edmonton also saw Warren Foegele sign a three-year contract with the Los Angeles Kings. These transactions have left the Oilers with less than $1.35 million in cap space heading into the new season. However, they are now better positioned to make a serious run for the Stanley Cup they last secured in 1990.
Looking Ahead: Restricted Free Agents
Despite the significant progress in free agency, the Oilers still face crucial decisions regarding restricted free agents Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway, who are in need of new deals. Both players are anticipated to play key roles, and their contracts will be pivotal to the team’s competitive edge.
As the new season approaches, the Edmonton Oilers have demonstrated a clear commitment to constructing a roster capable of contending for hockey's ultimate prize. With the inclusion of an experienced and once again prolific scorer in Jeff Skinner, combined with strategic signings across the board, the Oilers have generated considerable excitement and optimism among their fan base. The expectations are high, and the team’s offseason maneuvers reinforce their ambition to end the long-standing Stanley Cup drought.