NHL Free Agency: 3 Potential Destinations for Jeff Skinner

The NHL free agency list has dwindled down, however there's still several veteran forwards looking for jobs for next season. This includes 32-year-old winger Jeff Skinner, who is coming off a disappointing season with the Edmonton Oilers.

Skinner made $3 million on his last deal, and in 2024-25, scored 16 goals and 29 points in 72 games. He was in and out of the lineup during the Stanley Cup Playoffs, and now isn't on the radar to return to the Oilers. Here's three teams to keep an eye on:

San Jose Sharks

The Sharks need to sign a few more veterans to round out their roster. GM Mike Grier has been overpaying all summer to try and get to the salary floor, as for instance, he signed John Klingberg to a $4 million deal. Skinner could also be in line for an overpriced one-year deal, and give himself a chance to battle for top-nine minutes in San Jose, and mentor some of the young crop of talent.

Toronto Maple Leafs

The Maple Leafs are looking to trade for a top-six forward, and they also have a couple of depth spots they need more competition for. It would be a cheap one-year 'prove yourself' contract, likely with a bit of a bonus structure based on goals. Skinner has been linked to the Leafs for a few years now, perhaps this is the summer it finally happens.

Carolina Hurricanes

Skinner could head back to Carolina this offseason. The team added Nik Ehlers for their top line and could see Skinner as someone who could provide some secondary scoring from their bottom six, and fill in among their top six should an injury occur. At 32, Skinner will need to change his game a little bit to carve himself a role for the home stretch of his career. 

photo credit:  Jim Rassol-Imagn Images