Connor McDavid, Oilers lose key star forward to Sharks on $3 million one-year contract

The San Jose Sharks have made a bold addition to their roster by signing veteran forward Jeff Skinner to a one-year contract worth $3 million. This move comes after Skinner’s solid season with the Edmonton Oilers, where he contributed significantly during both the regular season and playoffs. The signing signals a fresh start for Skinner and a notable loss for Connor McDavid’s Oilers as they look to reshape their lineup.

Skinner, 33, recorded 29 points (16 goals, 13 assists) in 72 regular-season games with the Oilers during the 2024-25 campaign. He ranked sixth in goals and seventh in points among Edmonton forwards, playing a key role in helping the team reach the Stanley Cup Final for the second consecutive year. His postseason debut added two points in five games, showcasing his ability to contribute in high-pressure situations.

Over a 15-year NHL career, Skinner has built an impressive resume that includes 699 career points across 1,078 games. He has split his time between the Carolina Hurricanes, Buffalo Sabres, and Edmonton Oilers. With career highs of 82 points and 47 assists in the 2022-23 season, Skinner brings both experience and scoring ability to San Jose’s roster.

Career milestones and impact

Skinner reached a major career milestone on April 2, 2024, when he played in his 1,000th NHL game. At 31 years and 322 days old, he became the first player from the 2010 NHL Draft to hit this mark and one of the youngest in NHL history to do so. Skinner’s longevity and consistent production underscore his value as a seasoned veteran in the league.

Jeff Skinner #53 with the Edmonton Oilers warms up prior to a game Florida Panthers in Game Two of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final at Rogers Place on June 06, 2025 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Awards and international representation

A two-time NHL All-Star (2011 and 2019), Skinner was awarded the Calder Memorial Trophy as the league’s top rookie in 2010-11. At just 18 years old, he was the youngest recipient of the award at the time. Skinner has also represented Canada four times at the IIHF World Championships, contributing to a silver medal finish in 2017 with nine points in 10 games.

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