Former Oiler Jeff Skinner gets tough news after hitting free agency

Fans were hopeful Skinner could find his offensive game again in Edmonton and score 30+ goals, but instead he quickly became a 4th liner and healthy scratch. After playing only 5 playoff games, it's a sure bet he's leaving Edmonton.

After the first two days of free agency, the 33 year old Jeff Skinner remains unsigned. Even worse, insider Jim Matheson is suggesting there's little interest out there for Skinner in free agency.

Even with very limited ice time last season, Skinner showed his natural goal scoring ability to pot 16 goals in 72 games. As Matheson said, scoring is a premium skill in this league - so it's surprising to see little interest in Skinner.

Not only that, but Skinner is coming off a major contract buyout and a failed deal with the Oilers at $3M. It's very likely that the veteran sniper signs a deal around $1M, or even a tryout contract.

Some fans would like to see Skinner return to Edmonton on smaller contract, but the fact is the Oilers have just no ice time for him.

When he did get into the lineup in the playoffs, Skinner actually did elevate his game and impressed Oilers fans. There's a real argument to be made that Coach Knoblauch mismanaged what Skinner could contribute to the Oilers.

Hopefully, the veteran winger is able to find another fit for next season. Whoever signs the 373 career goal scorer will likely get a value deal if he can bounce back next year.