The San Jose Sharks continue reshaping their roster with a focus on blending youth and experience. Their latest signing is veteran forward Jeff Skinner, who agreed to a one-year contract after a subdued NHL season with Connor McDavid‘s Edmonton Oilers. Skinner arrives in San Jose ready to contribute both on the scoresheet and as a mentor to the team’s promising prospects.
Skinner’s 2024-25 campaign in Edmonton was quieter than anticipated, as he registered 29 points while playing alongside star center McDavid. Despite the drop in production, Skinner remains optimistic and views his move to the Sharks as an opportunity to reset and prove his value.
“I, for sure, think that I have a lot left in the tank,” Skinner said, via NHL.com. “I’m excited to start a new challenge. There’s some extra juice and extra energy that comes along with that… so I’m real excited to get going.”
Supporting a young and talented core
The Sharks boast an emerging core led by highly touted rookie Macklin Celebrini, San Jose’s first overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, who impressed by leading the team in points during his debut season. Along with fellow prospect Will Smith, Celebrini represents the foundation of the team’s rebuild.
Leon Draisaitl #29 and Jeff Skinner #53 with the Edmonton Oilers celebrate an overtime goal to win the game against the Calgary Flames at Rogers Place on March 29, 2025, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Leila Devlin/Getty Images)
Skinner praised Celebrini’s readiness and skill, acknowledging that the youngster was more prepared for the NHL than he was at the same stage. “I don’t think I was that talented or that prepared to come into the League as he was from what I’ve seen from afar,” Skinner said.
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With six seasons scoring 30 or more goals under his belt—including a 35-goal effort with the Buffalo Sabres in 2022-23—Skinner brings valuable experience and offensive capability to San Jose. His veteran presence is expected to provide guidance to the team’s young forwards and help accelerate their development.
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Leadership and mentorship role
Skinner emphasized his willingness to share knowledge and support younger teammates when needed. “Like any other guy on the team or any other older guy on the team, if [Celebrini] had a question about my experience in a certain situation, for sure you offer to kind of recount what happened to you and how it played out,” he said. “But him and the other young guys, they’re doing OK.”
