The San Jose Sharks have bolstered their forward lineup with the signing of free agent Jeff Skinner to a one-year contract worth $3 million, the team announced on Friday. This strategic move brings a proven goal-scorer to the Sharks’ roster, as Skinner looks to make an impact in the 2024-2025 season.
Skinner, who is 33 years old, has had a storied career in the NHL. Most recently, he played for the Edmonton Oilers, where he experienced his first postseason run in 15 seasons. Although the Oilers fell short of winning the Stanley Cup, losing to the Florida Panthers in six games in the Stanley Cup Finals for the second consecutive year, Skinner’s performance was notable. During the regular season, he scored 16 goals and added 13 assists in 72 games, demonstrating his ability to contribute to his team’s success. In the postseason, Skinner scored a goal and added an assist in five games, showcasing his skill and determination on the biggest stage.
Skinner’s background is impressive, having been selected by the Carolina Hurricanes with the seventh overall pick in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. He quickly made a name for himself in the league, winning the Calder Memorial Trophy in 2011 as the NHL’s top rookie. Over the course of his 15-season career with the Hurricanes (2010-2018), Buffalo Sabres (2018-2024), and Oilers, Skinner has accumulated an impressive 373 goals and 326 assists in 1,078 games, solidifying his status as one of the league’s top goal-scorers.
With his addition to the Sharks, Skinner brings veteran leadership and scoring prowess to the team. His experience in high-pressure situations, including his time in the Stanley Cup Finals, will undoubtedly be an asset to the Sharks as they look to make a deep playoff run. The team will likely rely on Skinner’s ability to create scoring opportunities and capitalize on them, given his track record of success in the league. As the Sharks prepare for the upcoming season, Skinner’s signing is a significant move that could pay dividends for the team’s success.
