Jeff Skinner has been a goal scorer since his first season in the NHL. He ranks ninth for most goals by an 18-year-old in NHL history, when he tallied 31 goals in 2010-11 with the Carolina Hurricanes. Only Sidney Crosby (39) and Patrik Laine (36) have scored more since 1987.
<a href="https://publish.oilersnation.com/2024/07/01/edmonton-oilers-sign-jeff-skinner-to-one-year-3-million-contract/">Skinner signed a one-year, $3m AAV contract with the Oilers</a> on day one of free agency, and now Edmonton&#8217;s roster has four of the 45 players who&#8217;ve scored 90+ goals over the past three seasons with Leon Draisaitl (148), Connor McDavid (140), Zach Hyman (117) and Skinner (92).

Skinner&#8217;s best attribute is scoring goals, but the main reason he signed in Edmonton was because he felt it was the best chance to end his playoff drought. Skinner has skated in 1,006 regular season games, but he&#8217;s yet to experience the playoffs. Skinner mentioned that as the main reason he opted to sign in Edmonton, as well as the opportunity to play with McDavid and Draisaitl.
Instead of asking him about that in our interview, I opted to start in a different direction.
Jason Gregor: McDavid and Draisaitl are different in how they generate offence. McDavid often attacks more with speed, while Draisaitl slows the game down. Is there a style that fits better with your skillset?
Jeff Skinner: I&#8217;m not going to be too picky about their style (laughs), but no, I think it&#8217;s hard to say. I think that in order to have success all three guys on the line have to be clicking. Obviously, some guys do complement each other a little bit different, but what&#8217;s nice about those two players is that even though their styles are different, they still find a way to complement different types of players. I think the onus is on me as a winger to adapt.
I think the winger has to sort of read off the centreman a lot of times because the puck can be in the middle a lot more, they&#8217;re around the puck a little bit more. So as a winger, I&#8217;m going to want to read off them. And those two guys they create a lot of space so that makes the job a little bit easier than (playing with) other guys. I&#8217;m looking forward to being on the same team.
Gregor: Compared to when you debuted in 2010-11 the game has really opened up lately.  How have you had to evolve and change your game to allow you to continue to score at the rate you have?
Skinner: I think every player who sticks around, they have to sort of try and adapt and tweak little things. I don&#8217;t know if there&#8217;s really one thing I can put my finger on. When I go back in the summer and you sort of reflect on a season, you try and think about ways you can improve and areas of the game where, maybe you have to tweak your game, maybe you have to adapt a little and, and then you kind of get to work, doing that. I try and focus on those little things throughout the summer and take it into the next season and be as successful as I can.
Gregor:  This was the first time you&#8217;ve gone through unrestricted free agency. How was the process, and how stressful and/or exciting was it to have to make a decision in a very short time?
Skinner: Yeah, it was exciting. It was busy. Being the first time going through it, I didn&#8217;t really have a whole lot of experience to draw off of and I think what surprised me — I mean, I guess it shouldn&#8217;t have surprised me — but what happens in the moment is how quick things can move along.
I think everyone kind of follows along and sees the signings come off the board or start being announced, and teams have to move quickly and adapt. Being on the other side as a player, you have to do the same, and for me I was fortunate that Edmonton was there and interested in me the whole time.
And when it came down to making my decision that actually played quite a bit of a role. The fact that they showed interest right away and were consistent in it, it made me feel like they saw me as a piece that could help contribute. And obviously, like you said, there&#8217;s some good players and it&#8217;s a really good team. So those boxes were already checked.
Gregor: How closely were you watching the Stanley cup playoffs?
Skinner: I saw the finals for sure, but the first couple of rounds, I wasn&#8217;t watching as closely. And then as the rounds move along, I spend my off seasons in Toronto, so you can&#8217;t really get away from it even if you try, but I certainly watched the final.
I saw the incredible run they went on, and I&#8217;m sure there&#8217;s a ton of lessons and experience that they&#8217;ve learned through that. And I&#8217;m looking forward to kind of learning as much as I can from those guys having been through that.
Gregor: In the past, and even this season, current Oiler players have called free agents and pitched them on Edmonton. Did you have any of the players reach out to try and convince you to come?
Skinner: Not during the day, however, I spoke to Jeff Jackson and the coach Knoblauch. And during the process, sort of before I had signed, they offered for that (talk to Oilers players) to happen. Things were moving along so fast and you&#8217;re trying to assess situations and options as they move along. So, I&#8217;m not sure that there would have been even time for me to entertain that.
But I know enough guys who have been around the league, even guys who used to play in Edmonton. There&#8217;s usually one degree of separation between almost everyone in hockey. So, actually one of my good friends is Ryan Strome and he spent some time in Edmonton and had nothing but good things to say. He knows a lot of the guys there. I think you reach out to different people you know, and you trust, and all I heard were good things and I&#8217;m really excited and happy that Edmonton gave me the opportunity. I actually played minor hockey with Zach Hyman so it will be fun to play with him again.
Gregor: You started your career in Carolina, after they drafted you seventh overall, and you jumped right into the NHL at 18. You had an excellent rookie year scoring 31 goals, and you’ve been quite consistent for the majority of your career. Really outside of the two years, in 2020 and 2021, around COVID — those are the only two years where your production dipped. What happened those years? Were you banged up?
Skinner: I don&#8217;t know. I don&#8217;t think I was injured. I think I just kind of had a couple of down seasons. And for me, trying to find my way out of that and trying and get back on track was a bit of a challenge. I leaned on a lot of close family and friends who helped support me through that time. You just have to battle your way back and work your way through it when you go through adversity or when you go through down years. I think it happens to most guys who play hockey or play sports.
I think it&#8217;s how you respond when things don&#8217;t go your way or if things do go your way, how you try and figure out how to keep things rolling. So, I think that those few years I learned a lot. I learned how to find my way out of it, and I was proud how I’ve produced since.
Gregor: Well, you definitely found your way out of it tying your career high in points in 2022 with 63 and then you blew that out of the water with 82 points in 2023. Did you become mentally tougher or mentally more mature after those two years?
Skinner: Maybe. I mean, I don&#8217;t know if you could break it down to just that, but I do think that any season you go through, I think there&#8217;s lessons to be learned. Even if you have a great season, you have things that you want to work on. And those seasons when things don&#8217;t go your way, things get magnified and as a result, maybe you learn the lessons a little harder or maybe they&#8217;re a little bit more obvious and they hurt a little bit more. But overall, I think every season is about trying to learn some things and you try and take them through to the next season. And that&#8217;s what the benefit of having experience gives you.
Gregor: Adam Henrique said one of the big reasons why he came back to Edmonton, was the playoff experience for him and his wife, who had never experienced playoffs. You’ve yet to play in the playoffs. How excited are you not only just about the playoffs, but the playoffs in a Canadian market?
Skinner: I think everyone who watches hockey sort of saw the run the guys went on last year and witnessed how much passion their fans have and how much excitement there was in the city.
And as a player, that&#8217;s kind of why you play, to be a part of something like that. I think this group is pretty good, but there&#8217;s still a lot of work to do. We have to start from game one, I think there&#8217;s some good potential and we&#8217;ve got a good group of guys and I&#8217;d definitely like to see and to feel that excitement.
<h2>BETWEEN TWO STALLS&#8230;</h2>
<div class="jetpack-video-wrapper"><iframe loading="lazy" title="Buffalo Sabre Jeff Skinner&#039;s New Series! Between 2 Stalls | Episode 1: Alex Tuch" width="1424" height="801" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZObjTF-Lr1M?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
Gregor: When you come to Edmonton, will you be bringing your show “Between two stalls?”
Skinner: (Laughs) I don&#8217;t know, there was some teamwork with the social media team there.
So, I can&#8217;t take full credit for it. I don&#8217;t know if there&#8217;s a spinoff somewhere, but I think for now I will just kind of try and focus on sort of getting the lay of the land and getting settled and getting ready for training camp and then we&#8217;ll take it from there.
Gregor: You could do a twist on it and call it between two Skinners with yourself and Stuart.
Skinner: Oh, there you go. Well, I guess the ideas are already flowing. I hadn&#8217;t thought of that, but you might have something there.
Gregor: Let’s end with some rapid fire. Who was your favorite player growing up?
Skinner: Growing up it was Matt Sundin and then I was probably 12 or 13 when Crosby came to the league. So, I probably slipped to Sid when that happened, but, Sundin I&#8217;d say.
Gregor: The defender who was hardest to play against?
Skinner: Chara, I think he&#8217;s pretty tough.
Gregor: If Jeff Skinner is watching NHL games on TV, who are a few of the players that you like to watch and why?
Skinner: I’m not just saying this, but McDavid and Draisaitl. I mean I like watching all the best players in the league. So obviously those two are at the top of the list. I like watching Kucherov, I think, especially on the power play, he&#8217;s pretty crafty there. I think those three pretty much cover almost everyone who watches hockey&#8217;s favorite players to watch.
Gregor: Best place you had wings in Buffalo?
Skinner: I hesitate to answer that one because people get really offended if you say the wrong one. So, let me think here. Bar Bill is probably one of the top ones. Um, yeah, I&#8217;ll go with that one.
Gregor: What is on your Netflix watch list right now?
Skinner: Honestly, in the summer, I don&#8217;t really watch much. I usually get down on the plane rides and sort of binge-watching stuff. So, I haven&#8217;t watched anything lately. I&#8217;d say the last thing I watched was, that Tour de France: Unchained documentary. That was pretty cool.
Gregor: Favourite concert you&#8217;ve attended? And is there anyone you haven’t seen that you’d like to? 

Skinner: I&#8217;d probably say Ed Sheeran for best concert. I saw him way back in the day at a pretty small venue. And that was really cool.
I&#8217;ve seen him when he&#8217;s been in the stadiums, but I think the best one I&#8217;ve seen was when he played at a small venue. As for who I haven’t seen, I’m not really sure to be honest.
Gregor: Are you a Swifty?
Skinner: My little sister is in the Taylor Swift zone. So, I might have to go with that one because apparently that new show is good. So again, pretty safe answer I&#8217;d say.
Gregor: Didn&#8217;t you meet Taylor Swift?
Skinner: Oh yeah. Way back in the day. I don&#8217;t think that she remembers that, but yeah. It did happen.
**Click here to hear about the story when <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/canes/comments/18gzr5o/jeff_skinner_shares_the_story_behind_his_infamous/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Skinner met Swift at a meet and greet. </a>
Gregor: Which one of your former teammates should go and break a table with Bill&#8217;s mafia?
Skinner: Back in the day, I played with a guy in Carolina named Kevin Westgarth. He&#8217;s a great guy. He&#8217;s kind of usually down for everything and anything. He’s one of those guys who would do anything for anyone. I think if you ask him to go through a table, he would do it pretty well.
<h2>PARTING SHOTS&#8230;</h2>
<figure id="attachment_157173" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-157173" style="width: 1024px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-large wp-image-157173" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/USATSI_22985324_168383996_lowres-1024x683.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="683" srcset="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/USATSI_22985324_168383996_lowres-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/USATSI_22985324_168383996_lowres-300x200.jpg 300w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/USATSI_22985324_168383996_lowres-768x512.jpg 768w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/USATSI_22985324_168383996_lowres-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/USATSI_22985324_168383996_lowres-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-157173" class="wp-caption-text">Apr 9, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin (26) and left wing Jeff Skinner (53) celebrates a goal scored by Dahlin against the Dallas Stars during the first period at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption></figure>
Skinner is a huge fan of Zach Galifianakis, hence his Between Two Stalls show in Buffalo. Skinner has a dry sense of humour, and it will be interesting to see if he teams up with the Oilers social media team to do something to show off his personality. It won&#8217;t happen right away, as most players prefer to keep a low profile when joining a new team, but as the season progresses, I wonder if we see it.
His main focus will be on producing and helping the Oilers secure a playoff spot and home ice advantage. Skinner&#8217;s best goal-scoring attribute is that he is quite productive 5&#215;5. He ranks 43rd in total goals the past three seasons with 92, but he is tied for the 13th most goals at 5&#215;5 with 65. The Oilers were a good 5&#215;5 team last season ranking third with 193 goals, and adding Skinner will only make them more dangerous.
The most intriguing aspect of his signing will be seeing which line head coach Kris Knoblauch plays him on. I suspect he will play with both McDavid and Draisaitl, but which one will he see the majority of time with. You could make an argument why he&#8217;d fit better with either centre. The past three seasons his three most common centres were Tage Thompson, Casey Mittlestadt and Dylan Cozens.
In 1983 minutes with Thompson, they outscored the opposition 125-116 and Skinner scored 41 goals (1.24 goals/60).
In 506 minutes with Mittlestadt, they outscored opponents 40-25 and Skinner scored 14 goals (1.66 goals/60).
In 317 minutes with Cozens, they outscored opponents 19-10 and Skinner scored 10 goals (1.89 goals/60).
The past two seasons the Buffalo Sabres outscored their opponents 371-363 at 5&#215;5. With Skinner on the ice, it was 127-97. Skinner isn&#8217;t considered a great defensive player, but he&#8217;s far from a liability. His +40 ranking at 5&#215;5 the past two seasons, trails only Mattias Ekholm (+57), Hyman (+54), McDavid (+46) and Bouchard (+45) among Oilers skaters.
<a href="https://publish.oilersnation.com/2024/07/07/analyzing-what-jeff-skinner-will-bring-to-the-edmonton-oilers/">Skinner will give the Oilers another legitimate scoring threat at 5&#215;5</a>, and I can see benefits of playing with either McDavid or Draisaitl.
<h2>THE 7TH ANNUAL OILERSNATION OPEN</h2>
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-156156" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2099/02/Article-Insert.png" alt="" width="727" height="404" srcset="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2099/02/Article-Insert.png 727w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2099/02/Article-Insert-300x167.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 727px) 100vw, 727px" />
It’s time to dust off those clubs and hit the greens for the 7th Annual Oilersnation Golf Tournament presented by Oodle Noodle on August 30th, 2024! An 8am shotgun start at the Mill Woods Golf Club will kick off an unforgettable day of golf, laughs, and camaraderie with your fellow Nation Citizens. Whether you&#8217;re a scratch golfer or just out there to hack away and have a good time, this tournament is for everyone. Grab your buddies or sign up as a single, and let&#8217;s make this year&#8217;s Oilersnation Golf Tournament the best one yet. Don’t miss out – Be there or be square! Visit <a href="http://nationgear.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://nationgear.ca&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1719080755269000&amp;usg=AOvVaw3kJceNd-9fuoQsl3swqw_C">nationgear.ca</a> to register today. See you on the course!

Jeff Skinner has been a goal scorer since his first season in the NHL. He ranks ninth for most goals by an 18-year-old in NHL history, when he tallied 31 goals in 2010-11 with the Carolina Hurricanes. Only Sidney Crosby (39) and Patrik Laine (36) have scored more since 1987.

<a href="https://publish.oilersnation.com/2024/07/01/edmonton-oilers-sign-jeff-skinner-to-one-year-3-million-contract/">Skinner signed a one-year, $3m AAV contract with the Oilers</a> on day one of free agency, and now Edmonton's roster has four of the 45 players who've scored 90+ goals over the past three seasons with Leon Draisaitl (148), Connor McDavid (140), Zach Hyman (117) and Skinner (92).



Skinner's best attribute is scoring goals, but the main reason he signed in Edmonton was because he felt it was the best chance to end his playoff drought. Skinner has skated in 1,006 regular season games, but he's yet to experience the playoffs. Skinner mentioned that as the main reason he opted to sign in Edmonton, as well as the opportunity to play with McDavid and Draisaitl.

Instead of asking him about that in our interview, I opted to start in a different direction.

Jason Gregor: McDavid and Draisaitl are different in how they generate offence. McDavid often attacks more with speed, while Draisaitl slows the game down. Is there a style that fits better with your skillset?

Jeff Skinner: I'm not going to be too picky about their style (laughs), but no, I think it's hard to say. I think that in order to have success all three guys on the line have to be clicking. Obviously, some guys do complement each other a little bit different, but what's nice about those two players is that even though their styles are different, they still find a way to complement different types of players. I think the onus is on me as a winger to adapt.

I think the winger has to sort of read off the centreman a lot of times because the puck can be in the middle a lot more, they're around the puck a little bit more. So as a winger, I'm going to want to read off them. And those two guys they create a lot of space so that makes the job a little bit easier than (playing with) other guys. I'm looking forward to being on the same team.

Gregor: Compared to when you debuted in 2010-11 the game has really opened up lately.  How have you had to evolve and change your game to allow you to continue to score at the rate you have?

Skinner: I think every player who sticks around, they have to sort of try and adapt and tweak little things. I don't know if there's really one thing I can put my finger on. When I go back in the summer and you sort of reflect on a season, you try and think about ways you can improve and areas of the game where, maybe you have to tweak your game, maybe you have to adapt a little and, and then you kind of get to work, doing that. I try and focus on those little things throughout the summer and take it into the next season and be as successful as I can.

Gregor:  This was the first time you've gone through unrestricted free agency. How was the process, and how stressful and/or exciting was it to have to make a decision in a very short time?

Skinner: Yeah, it was exciting. It was busy. Being the first time going through it, I didn't really have a whole lot of experience to draw off of and I think what surprised me — I mean, I guess it shouldn't have surprised me — but what happens in the moment is how quick things can move along.

I think everyone kind of follows along and sees the signings come off the board or start being announced, and teams have to move quickly and adapt. Being on the other side as a player, you have to do the same, and for me I was fortunate that Edmonton was there and interested in me the whole time.

And when it came down to making my decision that actually played quite a bit of a role. The fact that they showed interest right away and were consistent in it, it made me feel like they saw me as a piece that could help contribute. And obviously, like you said, there's some good players and it's a really good team. So those boxes were already checked.

Gregor: How closely were you watching the Stanley cup playoffs?

Skinner: I saw the finals for sure, but the first couple of rounds, I wasn't watching as closely. And then as the rounds move along, I spend my off seasons in Toronto, so you can't really get away from it even if you try, but I certainly watched the final.

I saw the incredible run they went on, and I'm sure there's a ton of lessons and experience that they've learned through that. And I'm looking forward to kind of learning as much as I can from those guys having been through that.

Gregor: In the past, and even this season, current Oiler players have called free agents and pitched them on Edmonton. Did you have any of the players reach out to try and convince you to come?

Skinner: Not during the day, however, I spoke to Jeff Jackson and the coach Knoblauch. And during the process, sort of before I had signed, they offered for that (talk to Oilers players) to happen. Things were moving along so fast and you're trying to assess situations and options as they move along. So, I'm not sure that there would have been even time for me to entertain that.

But I know enough guys who have been around the league, even guys who used to play in Edmonton. There's usually one degree of separation between almost everyone in hockey. So, actually one of my good friends is Ryan Strome and he spent some time in Edmonton and had nothing but good things to say. He knows a lot of the guys there. I think you reach out to different people you know, and you trust, and all I heard were good things and I'm really excited and happy that Edmonton gave me the opportunity. I actually played minor hockey with Zach Hyman so it will be fun to play with him again.

Gregor: You started your career in Carolina, after they drafted you seventh overall, and you jumped right into the NHL at 18. You had an excellent rookie year scoring 31 goals, and you’ve been quite consistent for the majority of your career. Really outside of the two years, in 2020 and 2021, around COVID — those are the only two years where your production dipped. What happened those years? Were you banged up?

Skinner: I don't know. I don't think I was injured. I think I just kind of had a couple of down seasons. And for me, trying to find my way out of that and trying and get back on track was a bit of a challenge. I leaned on a lot of close family and friends who helped support me through that time. You just have to battle your way back and work your way through it when you go through adversity or when you go through down years. I think it happens to most guys who play hockey or play sports.

I think it's how you respond when things don't go your way or if things do go your way, how you try and figure out how to keep things rolling. So, I think that those few years I learned a lot. I learned how to find my way out of it, and I was proud how I’ve produced since.

Gregor: Well, you definitely found your way out of it tying your career high in points in 2022 with 63 and then you blew that out of the water with 82 points in 2023. Did you become mentally tougher or mentally more mature after those two years?

Skinner: Maybe. I mean, I don't know if you could break it down to just that, but I do think that any season you go through, I think there's lessons to be learned. Even if you have a great season, you have things that you want to work on. And those seasons when things don't go your way, things get magnified and as a result, maybe you learn the lessons a little harder or maybe they're a little bit more obvious and they hurt a little bit more. But overall, I think every season is about trying to learn some things and you try and take them through to the next season. And that's what the benefit of having experience gives you.

Gregor: Adam Henrique said one of the big reasons why he came back to Edmonton, was the playoff experience for him and his wife, who had never experienced playoffs. You’ve yet to play in the playoffs. How excited are you not only just about the playoffs, but the playoffs in a Canadian market?

Skinner: I think everyone who watches hockey sort of saw the run the guys went on last year and witnessed how much passion their fans have and how much excitement there was in the city.

And as a player, that's kind of why you play, to be a part of something like that. I think this group is pretty good, but there's still a lot of work to do. We have to start from game one, I think there's some good potential and we've got a good group of guys and I'd definitely like to see and to feel that excitement.
<h2>BETWEEN TWO STALLS...</h2>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZObjTF-Lr1M

Gregor: When you come to Edmonton, will you be bringing your show “Between two stalls?”

Skinner: (Laughs) I don't know, there was some teamwork with the social media team there.

So, I can't take full credit for it. I don't know if there's a spinoff somewhere, but I think for now I will just kind of try and focus on sort of getting the lay of the land and getting settled and getting ready for training camp and then we'll take it from there.

Gregor: You could do a twist on it and call it between two Skinners with yourself and Stuart.

Skinner: Oh, there you go. Well, I guess the ideas are already flowing. I hadn't thought of that, but you might have something there.

Gregor: Let’s end with some rapid fire. Who was your favorite player growing up?

Skinner: Growing up it was Matt Sundin and then I was probably 12 or 13 when Crosby came to the league. So, I probably slipped to Sid when that happened, but, Sundin I'd say.

Gregor: The defender who was hardest to play against?

Skinner: Chara, I think he's pretty tough.

Gregor: If Jeff Skinner is watching NHL games on TV, who are a few of the players that you like to watch and why?

Skinner: I’m not just saying this, but McDavid and Draisaitl. I mean I like watching all the best players in the league. So obviously those two are at the top of the list. I like watching Kucherov, I think, especially on the power play, he's pretty crafty there. I think those three pretty much cover almost everyone who watches hockey's favorite players to watch.

Gregor: Best place you had wings in Buffalo?

Skinner: I hesitate to answer that one because people get really offended if you say the wrong one. So, let me think here. Bar Bill is probably one of the top ones. Um, yeah, I'll go with that one.

Gregor: What is on your Netflix watch list right now?

Skinner: Honestly, in the summer, I don't really watch much. I usually get down on the plane rides and sort of binge-watching stuff. So, I haven't watched anything lately. I'd say the last thing I watched was, that Tour de France: Unchained documentary. That was pretty cool.

Gregor: Favourite concert you've attended? And is there anyone you haven’t seen that you’d like to?


Skinner: I'd probably say Ed Sheeran for best concert. I saw him way back in the day at a pretty small venue. And that was really cool.

I've seen him when he's been in the stadiums, but I think the best one I've seen was when he played at a small venue. As for who I haven’t seen, I’m not really sure to be honest.

Gregor: Are you a Swifty?

Skinner: My little sister is in the Taylor Swift zone. So, I might have to go with that one because apparently that new show is good. So again, pretty safe answer I'd say.

Gregor: Didn't you meet Taylor Swift?

Skinner: Oh yeah. Way back in the day. I don't think that she remembers that, but yeah. It did happen.

**Click here to hear about the story when <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/canes/comments/18gzr5o/jeff_skinner_shares_the_story_behind_his_infamous/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Skinner met Swift at a meet and greet. </a>

Gregor: Which one of your former teammates should go and break a table with Bill's mafia?

Skinner: Back in the day, I played with a guy in Carolina named Kevin Westgarth. He's a great guy. He's kind of usually down for everything and anything. He’s one of those guys who would do anything for anyone. I think if you ask him to go through a table, he would do it pretty well.
<h2>PARTING SHOTS...</h2>
[caption id="attachment_157173" align="aligncenter" width="1024"]<img class="size-large wp-image-157173" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/USATSI_22985324_168383996_lowres-1024x683.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="683" /> Apr 9, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin (26) and left wing Jeff Skinner (53) celebrates a goal scored by Dahlin against the Dallas Stars during the first period at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]

Skinner is a huge fan of Zach Galifianakis, hence his Between Two Stalls show in Buffalo. Skinner has a dry sense of humour, and it will be interesting to see if he teams up with the Oilers social media team to do something to show off his personality. It won't happen right away, as most players prefer to keep a low profile when joining a new team, but as the season progresses, I wonder if we see it.

His main focus will be on producing and helping the Oilers secure a playoff spot and home ice advantage. Skinner's best goal-scoring attribute is that he is quite productive 5x5. He ranks 43rd in total goals the past three seasons with 92, but he is tied for the 13th most goals at 5x5 with 65. The Oilers were a good 5x5 team last season ranking third with 193 goals, and adding Skinner will only make them more dangerous.

The most intriguing aspect of his signing will be seeing which line head coach Kris Knoblauch plays him on. I suspect he will play with both McDavid and Draisaitl, but which one will he see the majority of time with. You could make an argument why he'd fit better with either centre. The past three seasons his three most common centres were Tage Thompson, Casey Mittlestadt and Dylan Cozens.

In 1983 minutes with Thompson, they outscored the opposition 125-116 and Skinner scored 41 goals (1.24 goals/60).

In 506 minutes with Mittlestadt, they outscored opponents 40-25 and Skinner scored 14 goals (1.66 goals/60).

In 317 minutes with Cozens, they outscored opponents 19-10 and Skinner scored 10 goals (1.89 goals/60).

The past two seasons the Buffalo Sabres outscored their opponents 371-363 at 5x5. With Skinner on the ice, it was 127-97. Skinner isn't considered a great defensive player, but he's far from a liability. His +40 ranking at 5x5 the past two seasons, trails only Mattias Ekholm (+57), Hyman (+54), McDavid (+46) and Bouchard (+45) among Oilers skaters.

<a href="https://publish.oilersnation.com/2024/07/07/analyzing-what-jeff-skinner-will-bring-to-the-edmonton-oilers/">Skinner will give the Oilers another legitimate scoring threat at 5x5</a>, and I can see benefits of playing with either McDavid or Draisaitl.
<h2>THE 7TH ANNUAL OILERSNATION OPEN</h2>
<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-156156" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2099/02/Article-Insert.png" alt="" width="727" height="404" />

It’s time to dust off those clubs and hit the greens for the 7th Annual Oilersnation Golf Tournament presented by Oodle Noodle on August 30th, 2024! An 8am shotgun start at the Mill Woods Golf Club will kick off an unforgettable day of golf, laughs, and camaraderie with your fellow Nation Citizens. Whether you're a scratch golfer or just out there to hack away and have a good time, this tournament is for everyone. Grab your buddies or sign up as a single, and let's make this year's Oilersnation Golf Tournament the best one yet. Don’t miss out – Be there or be square! Visit <a href="http://nationgear.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://nationgear.ca&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1719080755269000&amp;usg=AOvVaw3kJceNd-9fuoQsl3swqw_C">nationgear.ca</a> to register today. See you on the course!

One-on-one with Oilers’ forward Jeff Skinner

NHL Notebook: Former Oilers defenceman suspended three games in AHL for choking opposing player

Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman David Jiricek

Recent articles from Jason Gregor

Breaking News