NHL insider Chris Johnston shared some intriguing news: the Toronto Maple Leafs pitched hard to bring Jeff Skinner on board, offering him a spot alongside Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner.
Despite their efforts and a more lucrative offer, Skinner opted to join Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and the Edmonton Oilers for a one-year deal worth $3 million.
The Leafs reached out to Jeff Skinner and pitched him on the idea of playing next to Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner. In the end, Skinner chose Edmonton.
This decision follows a trend we've seen this offseason. Viktor Arvidsson had an offer from the Calgary Flames but chose the Oilers. Similarly, Adam Henrique could have made more with the Tampa Bay Lightning but stayed in Edmonton. It seems the draw of playing with McDavid and Draisaitl is hard to resist, especially with the Oilers coming within a game of winning the Stanley Cup, while teams like the Leafs were bounced early.
Skinner offered more by the Leafs
Arvidsson had an offer from the Flames
Henrique had an offer for more from the Lightning
Debrusk wanted to sign but top lines were full so settled for the Canucks
✨The McDavid Effect✨
Arvidsson had an offer from the Flames
Henrique had an offer for more from the Lightning
Debrusk wanted to sign but top lines were full so settled for the Canucks
✨The McDavid Effect✨
Skinner, a five-time 30-goal scorer and one-time 40-goal scorer, provided solid offense during his six-year stint with the Buffalo Sabres. However, his hefty eight-year, $9 million cap hit was too much for the Sabres, leading to his buyout.
Jeff Skinner signed a one-year deal for $3 million. Viktor Arvidsson inked a two-year deal with a $4 million AAV. Adam Henrique signed for two years at $3 million per. All three will make less than they earned last season.
The 32 year-old will help boost the Oilers' secondary scoring under McDavid and Draisaitl's leadership.
He's just one season removed from a
point-per-game campaign, making him a valuable addition to Edmonton's roster.
point-per-game campaign, making him a valuable addition to Edmonton's roster.
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