After Mitch Marner’s departure to the Vegas Golden Knights, the Toronto Maple Leafs are preparing to continue making moves to shape their roster for the 2025-26 NHL season. In recent hours, a report indicated that the franchise has been linked to a former finalist with the Edmonton Oilers, who was also a teammate of superstar Connor McDavid.
The Oilers came close to winning the Stanley Cup but, just like the Maple Leafs, saw their hopes crushed when facing the two-time champion Florida Panthers. Now, Toronto could make a push for a player who brings the experience of having been part of McDavid’s team.
Replacing Marner’s chemistry and production alongside Auston Matthews is no easy task, especially considering Toronto’s aspirations heading into the 2025-26 NHL season. The franchise has long been chasing glory, which has eluded them in recent years.
Which former Oilers player is Toronto interested in?
According to NHL insider Ryan Gilbert, the free agent who was a Stanley Cup finalist with the Oilers and is drawing interest from the Maple Leafs is none other than Jeff Skinner. The 33-year-old winger has been linked to Toronto as a low-risk, high-reward option.
Skinner’s uncertain situation
In June 2024, the Buffalo Sabres bought out the final three years of Skinner’s contract, making him an unrestricted free agent before the start of the new season. After that period, he joined the Oilers on a one-year, $3 million deal.
Now back on the free agent market, Skinner is looking for a destination that offers stability in the final years of his career. Last season, he played 72 games, recording 16 goals and 13 assists for Edmonton. It’s true he had fewer opportunities on the ice compared to his last three seasons in Buffalo, where he scored 24, 35, and 33 goals in the previous three years.