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Jeff Skinner Breaks Silence on Oilers' Playoff Benching Snub

Originally posted on Blade of Steel | By Daniel Lucente | Last updated Jul 15, 2025 7:26 PM ET

Former Edmonton Oiler Jeff Skinner has finally spoken about his benching in the playoffs, and he has no ill will towards the situation, saying he gained experience.

Jeff Skinner agreed to a one-year, $3 million contract with the San Jose Sharks on Friday and spoke with local media recently about the decision.

Known for his goal-scoring ability and strong locker room presence, Jeff Skinner is expected to be a good fit in San Jose, especially with familiar faces around.

He shares a long history with winger Tyler Toffoli, as the two played together for the Toronto Junior Canadiens when they were just 10 years old.

Though they lost touch over the years, Tyler Toffoli reached out after Skinner signed, and Skinner said he's excited to reconnect after more than two decades.

Skinner is also reuniting with ex-Oiler John Klingberg in San Jose

He also shares a connection with defenseman John Klingberg, another ex-Oiler who recently became a Shark.

Following a down season in Edmonton, where he had less ice time and scoring totals even as the team went on its Stanley Cup Final run, Skinner is looking for an expanded role in San Jose.

He stressed the importance of his experience and his desire to respond with a big season.

'There's been a lot of coverage on my career and how I haven't had that opportunity as much as I would have wanted [it] personally, but to be in that environment
The team had been there the year before, so there's a lot of guys there that have a lot of experience that I could learn from, and then going through it, being around that environment was definitely something I learned a lot from.

There's a lot of excitement around that kind of a run. Using that experience going forward will definitely benefit myself.'

- Jeff Skinner

With a change of scenery, old friends with Sharks' teammates, and an opportunity to re-establish himself as a top-six forward, the Sharks are hopeful Skinner can get back to scoring and provide some good vibes in the process.

This article first appeared on Blade of Steel and was syndicated with permission.

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