A one-time Edmonton Oilers forward has decided to go overseas.

Jeff Skinner is headed to Europe, signing a one-year deal with EHC Biel-Bienne of Switzerland’s National League that will last until April 2027. He’ll join former Edmonton Oilers forward Gaetan Haas and former draft choice from way back in 2009, Toni Rajala.

Skinner struggled to get a foothold with the San Jose Sharks, who signed a one-year contract for $3 million last season.

He played just 32 games, scoring six goals and 13 points, but was a frequent healthy scratch. That led to San Jose placing the 34-year-old forward on unconditional waivers for the purpose of contract termination. Skinner was an unrestricted free agent, but no deals came for the former 40-goal scorer.

Part of the “Summer of Jeff” free agency period on July 1, 2024, the Oilers looked to take advantage and get value after Skinner’s buyout from a $9 million contract.

Edmonton Oilers acting general manager Jeff Jackson signed Skinner, and all things considered, Skinner still produced despite an up-and-down relationship with coach Kris Knoblauch.

He would have a solid season, scoring 16 goals and 29 points in a depth role on the team, while averaging what was then the fewest minutes per night of his career, at 13 minutes. But come playoff time, Skinner wasn’t part of Knoblauch’s plans, suiting up just five times on the Oilers’ second consecutive Stanley Cup Final.

If he never plays in the NHL again, he finishes with a helluva run. Skinner won a Calder Trophy with the Carolina Hurricanes in 2010–11 after scoring his first of six 30-goal campaigns. It would turn into a 1,110-game career, scoring 379 goals and 712 total points.

His impact is still felt on the Buffalo Sabres, who have four more years left on his contract buyout. The cost on the Sabres’ books is a punitive $6.44 million in 2026-27, but there’s more relief until it ends in 2030. The final three years are $2.44 million each season.