Would Recently Waived Winger Be a Good, Cheap Fit for Oilers?

Former Edmonton Oilers winger Jeff Skinner is going back on the market. Following news that he was waived by the San Jose Sharks, and for the purposes of terminating his contract, Skinner will become an unrestricted free agent on Tuesday. Chances are, a team is going to sign him for a potential playoff push. Could that team be the Edmonton Oilers?

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Related: Sharks Place Jeff Skinner on Waivers to Terminate Contract

There is some logic to the idea. First, Skinner was here before and had decent numbers, given how little head coach Kris Knoblauch used him. Second, if the coach is looking for a chance to set things right, Skinner would be a good opportunity. Third, if Edmonton is moving on from Andrew Mangiapane because they want more scoring, Skinner will provide it at roughly one-fourth the cost.

The counterargument, of course, is that Knoblauch was never a fan of Skinner’s, and things haven’t likely changed.

Skinner has not played for the Sharks since January 11th and had 13P in 32GP. That’s not awful production. Over 55 games, it’s about 22 points. Over an 82-game season, it’s 33 points. It’s not anything that’s going to suddenly make the Oilers a Stanley Cup favorite again, but it’s far more than many of the Oilers’ depth wingers are offering. His pace is seventh-best on the team in terms of forward production this season.

One could argue that the Oilers’ handling of Skinner last season was among their bigger mistakes. One could also argue that if he’s fizzled out in San Jose, a trend is emerging: Skinner is on his last legs, no longer a productive forward capable of scoring 15-20 goals.

Are there better options available? Maybe, but to acquire them, the Oilers will have to give up assets. Someone like Bobby McMann could come in around the same price point, but Edmonton may have to give up two second-round picks or a first to get him. All the Oilers would have to pay Skinner is a small salary.

It’s important to note that Skinner might not want another run in Edmonton. His first tenure didn’t go so well, even though he remained a true professional throughout. He signed elsewhere in the hopes he’d have more opportunity, and it’s likely not going to be coming in Edmonton, even if GM Stan Bowman took a shot here.

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