Jeff Skinner’s time is running out
Known as one of the league’s most consistent goalscorers, Skinner has had a stellar NHL career since being drafted seventh overall by the Carolina Hurricanes in 2010.
So far he has scored 363 goals and 319 assists in 1040 games. He is also one of the healthier players, rarely missing a game in recent seasons. Although not a defensively focused player, there is no doubt that Skinner could produce a wealth of goals.
Struggling with Edmonton this season, it appears to be an outlier for the forward as he has averaged 29 goals per season throughout his career. Whether it’s a lack of opportunities or whether he doesn’t fit into head coach Kris Knoblauch’s system is unknown, but it’s strange to say the least.
Even with the notoriously bad Buffalo Sabers, Skinner was a bright spot for the team. In his last three seasons with them he scored 92 goals, including back-to-back 30-goal campaigns.
Clearly he has the offensive ability to be able to contribute, and there is already a lot of firepower on the Oilers, and him relying heavily on their stars means that any mistake Skinner makes will be more criticized because he has less room to work. of.
Surprisingly, Skinner isn’t the most expensive cap hit at $3 million and could be a cheap option for Toronto to patrol their second or third lines, and if Edmonton wants to get rid of him, this is the perfect combination.
Brad Treliving has done his homework and no doubt has some feelers for the former 40-goal scorer. It would be a great addition and give Skinner a fresh start that could pay huge dividends for the Maple Leafs.