Neville E. Guard-Imagn Images

Former 40-Goal Scorer Still Pondering Next NHL Team in Free Agency

Originally posted on House of Hockey | By Jack Sutherland | Last updated Jul 4, 2025 3:23 PM ET

Jeff Skinner, who appeared in the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the 1st time in his career this spring with the Edmonton Oilers, is pondering his next move in free agency

It wasn't long ago that the Buffalo Sabres bought out the last 3 years on the contract of Jeff Skinner, who had seasons of 40, 33, and 35 goals scored before having only 24 in what was his last year with the team in 2023-24.

The Edmonton Oilers soon came calling, giving him a 1 year contract with an AAV (average annual value) of $3 million, and while he was expected to to compete for a top-6 role in Edmonton's forward deployment, Skinner was mostly used in a bottom-6 role and only scored 16 goals.

He was also used sparingly during the postseason in what would be Edmonton's 2nd straight trip to the Stanley Cup Final.

What are the chances that he returns to the Oilers for a 2nd year? Apparently, not very good.

Via Michael Auguello of The Hockey News, the Oilers may be closing the door on a potential return of Skinner for next year because of the minuscule remainder of their salary cap space.

Skinner scored his first playoff goal in the clinching game against the Stars and three of the six games in the loss to Florida in the Stanley Cup Final. There has been no indication whether the Oilers will re-sign the veteran winger, but after re-signing Trent Frederic, Kasperi Kapanen, and adding Andrew Mangiapane and Curtis Lazar as UFA's earlier this week, Edmonton has less than $200,000 in cap space and may have closed the door on a return to Alberta.

Skinner was taken 7th overall by the Carolina Hurricanes in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft and won the Calder Trophy after scoring 31 goals as a rookie.

He has 699 points (373G, 326A) in 1,078 games.

This article first appeared on House of Hockey and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: