Jeff Skinner is an ideal signing for the Edmonton Oilers and a major gain. He complements the other regular goal-scorers, plus he needed a fresh start with a new team to excel late in his career and finally get a chance to play in the postseason.
Skinner's relationship with Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch, will also give him an excellent chance in to retool his game. If they get along well early into the season -- and there's nothing to suggest they won't -- it may help the winger to play confidently, and consistently contribute on the scoreboard.
Skinner is a seasoned veteran, who has been around the block and taken in different coaching styles and approaches to the game during his 14 seasons in the NHL. His presence will help other newcomers to the team excel, with his experience and guidance.
Given that Skinner can skate well and has a solid two-way game, it will help him adjust to the current Oilers roster and provide him the opportunity to play the game at his best level. With over 1,000 regular season games to his name, there is every reason to expect him to succeed.
The expectations
Skinner's first and main expectation will be to skate well for the Oilers, by being present during high percentage plays. He will also be expected to give the team an added level of confidence with the talent he brings to the roster.
If for some reason Skinner isn't a success in Edmonton, he could be a potential trade chip at the 2025 NHL Trade deadline as a rental for another team. However, most signs point towards this not being a very likely scenario.
Skinner should be an ideal person to have in the locker room, providing invaluable leadership. He also has the ability to take charge during games, when the Oilers' are struggling to score goals.
Skinner's physical aspect is another quality attribute he possesses. It will help him get over the hump and provide ample flexibility to the squad, especially when combining his grittiness with his goal-scoring and playmaking.
The addition of Skinner to the Oilers' lineup will most likely have a positive effect on the number of goals they scored, as he is a multiple time 30-goal scorer. It is the other aspects of his game that could help this team as well, both on and off the ice.