In a noteworthy free-agent transaction, veteran forward Jeff Skinner has officially signed a one-year contract valued at $3 million with the San Jose Sharks. The team confirmed the agreement on Friday, July 11, 2025. The move brings a seasoned offensive talent to the California coast, adding experience to a Sharks roster that has been focused on rebuilding in recent seasons.
Skinner spent the previous campaign with the Edmonton Oilers. During the regular season, he recorded 29 points, consisting of 16 goals and 13 assists, across 72 games. His time in Edmonton also marked a significant milestone: his first appearance in the NHL playoffs over his 15-year career. While his playoff minutes were limited, he participated in five games as the Oilers made their postseason push.
Selected seventh overall by the Carolina Hurricanes in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, the Toronto native made an immediate impact. He captured the Calder Trophy as the league`s top rookie in 2011, registering an impressive 63 points in his debut season. Skinner`s career trajectory has featured periods of high offensive output. After being traded to the Buffalo Sabres ahead of the 2018-19 season, he scored a career-high 40 goals. He also posted a personal best in points during the 2022-23 season, accumulating 82 (35 goals, 47 assists).
Following his tenure with the Sabres, Skinner was bought out of the remainder of his contract in the summer of 2024, leading to his single season in Edmonton. Over his extensive career spanning 1,078 games with the Hurricanes, Sabres, and Oilers, he has tallied 699 points, including 373 goals and 326 assists.
For the San Jose Sharks, acquiring a player like Skinner on a one-year, $3 million contract represents a strategic, low-risk addition. While the team is not expected to contend immediately for a championship, Skinner`s proven ability to score and his wealth of NHL experience provide valuable assets. He can offer secondary scoring punch and leadership in the locker room, particularly beneficial for the younger players in the Sharks` system.
The one-year term suits both parties. San Jose gains a veteran forward on a flexible, affordable deal without a long-term commitment. Skinner, coming off a buyout and a shorter stint elsewhere, gets an opportunity to demonstrate his value and effectiveness in a new environment. It`s a pragmatic arrangement designed to benefit both the player and the rebuilding club.
As Jeff Skinner prepares to join his new teammates in San Jose, the focus will be on how his skillset and experience integrate with the existing roster. His signing is a clear indication that the Sharks are looking to add experienced depth and scoring potential as they continue their path forward.
