The Edmonton Oilers continue to face significant roster changes after the tough blow of losing the Stanley Cup for the second consecutive season to the Florida Panthers. Star player Connor McDavid is seeing several teammates depart, and now, another name might be added to the list.
In just a few days into the offseason, Edmonton has already lost key players like Corey Perry, Connor Brown, Evander Kane, and Viktor Arvidsson, all within hours. Beyond wanting a change in direction, the Oilers are clearly feeling the impact of those championship defeats.
Amid these busy days for the Oilers, the front office might be overlooking an important contract in order to prioritize adding smaller pieces and managing the salary cap. The franchise could be closing the door on another McDavid teammate who might end up playing elsewhere.
Which player could definitely leave the Oilers?
The player expected to leave Edmonton is veteran Jeff Skinner, who has yet to sign a contract extension and is reportedly viewed as a “diminished player” by the Oilers, according to NHL Trade Talk. A possible falling out with head coach Kris Knoblauch might be a key factor in this situation.
Skinner scored 16 goals last season and carries a $3 million cap hit. Now, as he awaits a possible extension with the Oilers, no offer has arrived. Knoblauch was clear with his decisions, limiting Skinner’s ice time throughout the 2024-25 NHL season.
Other contracts spark controversy in Edmonton
The controversy in Edmonton has grown because other players with lower production than Skinner have secured contracts worth more than the 33-year-old winger’s contract. Those cases include Trent Frederic, who agreed to a $3.85 million deal after scoring just eight goals, and Andrew Mangiapane, who signed for $3.6 million after recording 14 goals. The situation seems close to being resolved, and Skinner may soon find a new home.