Jeff Skinner leaves Edmonton Oilers for divisional rival

While the writing was probably on the wall that Jeff Skinner wouldn’t be returning to the Edmonton Oilers, the news finally became official on Friday.

After spending one season in Alberta’s capital, the 33-year-old Toronto native Skinner signed a one-year, US$3-million deal with the San Jose Sharks.

Skinner had 29 points (16 goals, 13 assists) in 72 games for the Oilers last season. A two-time All-Star and a former Calder Trophy winner, Skinner showed signs of high-end production, but seemed to fall out of favour with head coach Kris Knoblauch by the end of the campaign.

Edmonton did provide Skinner with an experience he’d never had before, though: playing in the Stanley Cup playoffs. Previously having played for the Carolina Hurricanes and Buffalo Sabres in lengthy playoff droughts for both franchises, Skinner made the postseason for the first time this year, after making his NHL debut back in 2010.

While he’s had quite an extensive resume during his time in the NHL, Skinner became a regular healthy scratch throughout the season and only suited up for five playoff games for Edmonton this past spring. He finished 11th among Oilers forwards in ice time in the regular season, but was bumped down the depth chart as the season went on.

Earlier this week, the Oilers pretty much telegraphed that there wouldn’t be a spot for him on next year’s roster, if that wasn’t already a given by his lack of contract.

New Oilers forward Isaac Howard was given Skinner’s old No. 53 uniform for next season, which is usually a pretty clear indicator of a player on the outs.

Skinner will likely get a chance to play big minutes in San Jose, but he’ll be in tough to make the postseason once again next year. The Sharks finished with the worst record not only in the Pacific Division but in the entire NHL this past year, ending up with only 52 points.

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