The San Jose Sharks have signed left winger Jeff Skinner from Markham, Ontario, to a one-year contract worth $3 million. This signing stands out as Skinner is a former Calder Trophy winner and a two-time <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/hockey/nhl/”>NHL All-Star, adding notable experience to the Sharks’ roster.
Childhood Teammates Reunite in San Jose After Years Apart
In an interesting twist, Skinner is now reunited with Travis Toffoli, who was his teammate on a Toronto minor hockey team during their youth. They both played for the Toronto Junior Canadiens Triple A atom team in the early 2000s, despite the Canadiens being historic rivals of Toronto hockey fans. Now both 33, they will share the ice again, this time wearing Sharks jerseys.
Brief Playoff Experience with Oilers Before Signing with Sharks
Skinner experienced playoff hockey for the first time in his career last season after joining the Edmonton Oilers, participating in five Stanley Cup Playoff games. Prior to that, he spent 14 NHL seasons split between the Carolina Hurricanes and Buffalo Sabres, never reaching the postseason. Now, he joins a Sharks team that missed the playoffs by 44 points last year, signaling a fresh opportunity.
Challenges in Defensive Play Led to Oilers’ Decision Not to Re-Sign
Defensive shortcomings have been a major factor in Edmonton’s choice not to bring Skinner back. During the postseason, he was a minus-one and was not utilized on the penalty kill. His turnover rate was concerning, with 41 giveaways compared to only 22 takeaways in the 2024-25 season, reflecting struggles in puck management and defensive consistency.
Jeff Skinner, signed 1x$3M by SJ, is a veteran scoring winger with puck skills, scoring touch, and agility but no speed, physicality, or defence. #SJSharks pic.twitter.com/qFzA8116FF
— JFresh (@JFreshHockey)
Contract Structure Mirrors Recent Sharks Signings, Suggesting a New Trend
The deal Skinner signed with San Jose reportedly includes clauses similar to those given to John Klingberg, another former Oiler recently signed by the Sharks. This one-year contract structure, which is often viewed as unattractive to free agents, appears to be a strategic approach by the Sharks’ management. The tactic has drawn attention as a possible trend that other NHL teams might soon adopt to manage risk with veteran players.
Thinking about the Jeff Skinner signing by the Sharks, GMMG gave him essentially the same clause as Klingberg which I think is a super sneaky trend that other teams will start doing.
Essentially a 1 year deal (which aren’t always attractive to free agents) but there’s a a full…
— Cam / NoSleeves (@NoSleevesGaming)
Klingberg May Be Felt More Strongly by Oilers Fans Than Skinner
While both Skinner and Klingberg left the Oilers and joined the Sharks, Klingberg’s departure might have a deeper impact on Edmonton fans. Klingberg is recognized for being more consistent in both offensive output and defensive responsibilities, which contrasts with Skinner’s noted defensive struggles. This comparison highlights the different roles and expectations placed on these players by their former team.
Number Change Confirms Likelihood of Skinner’s Departure from Edmonton
The discussions about Skinner leaving the Oilers were largely anticipated when the Hobey Baker Award winner’s former number 53 was reassigned to another player, Howard. This symbolic move helped confirm the conclusion of Skinner’s tenure in Edmonton and solidified the Sharks’ acquisition of the winger.
Implications for the Sharks’ Season Outlook
The addition of Jeff Skinner to the San Jose Sharks, despite some defensive weaknesses, brings veteran offensive skills and agility to a team seeking to improve after missing the playoffs by a wide margin last season. How well Skinner adapts to this new opportunity and whether the contract structure serves both parties will be pivotal for the Sharks’ campaign moving forward.