In a move that sees a familiar scorer heading to a new Pacific Division home, veteran forward Jeff Skinner has officially signed a one-year contract with the San Jose Sharks. The deal, valued at $3 million, was announced on Friday, marking the latest stop in Skinner`s extensive NHL career.
Skinner joins the Sharks following a season with the Edmonton Oilers, where he contributed 29 points through 16 goals and 13 assists across 72 regular-season games. His time in Edmonton also included his first taste of the NHL playoffs, appearing in five games as the Oilers made a deep run, though his contributions were limited to a goal and an assist.
A former seventh overall draft pick by the Carolina Hurricanes in 2010, Skinner burst onto the scene by winning the Calder Trophy as the league`s top rookie in the 2010-11 season, tallying an impressive 63 points. He spent eight seasons in Carolina before being traded to the Buffalo Sabres.
His tenure in Buffalo saw significant offensive highs, including a career-best 40 goals in his first year there (2018-19). He later reached a new personal best in points with 82 during the 2022-23 campaign. However, his long-term contract with the Sabres was ultimately bought out in the summer of 2024, leading to his brief stop in Edmonton.
The 33-year-old Ontario native brings a wealth of experience and a proven ability to find the back of the net, holding career totals of 699 points (373 goals, 326 assists) over 1,078 games with the Hurricanes, Sabres, and Oilers. For the rebuilding Sharks, this one-year commitment represents a low-risk opportunity to add offensive talent and a veteran presence to their forward group, perhaps offering mentorship to younger players while providing a tangible scoring threat.
Skinner`s journey, from being a teenage rookie phenom to navigating a buyout and now joining a team in transition on a short-term pact, illustrates the dynamic nature of a long professional career. His arrival in San Jose adds an interesting storyline to the Sharks` upcoming season as they look to integrate established players with their developing core.