Skinner scored a goal on two shots, added two hits and blocked two shots in Thursday's 5-3 loss to the Wild.

EDGE Analysis

Skinner snapped his eight-game slump with a tally in the final minute of the contest. It did nothing to change the result, but it could help ignite the 32-year-old winger's offense if he can build off of it. Skinner is at a meager four goals and three assists through 21 contests, but his 57 shots on net and corresponding 7.0 shooting percentage suggest he's been a victim of bad luck to some extent. Still, his overall game has been lacking, and he'll have a tough time generating offense if he slips back onto the fourth line for any extended length of time.

Skinner had three shots on net and was minus-1 in Monday's 3-0 loss to the Canadiens.

EDGE Analysis

It was the seventh consecutive game off the scoresheet for Skinner, who had been to contribute more than he has this season. The winger entered the night with just six points at minus-7 in 18 outings and was recently dropped to the fourth line, per Allan Mitchell of The Athletic. Skinner, who averaged a tick above 10 minutes TOI the previous three games, was on ice for 12:19 (15 shifts) on Monday, as the Oilers dressed only 11 forwards.

Skinner scored a goal and added two hits in Sunday's 4-2 win over the Flames.

EDGE Analysis

Skinner ended a six-game goal drought with his first-period tally. The winger has found himself on a line with Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Zach Hyman while Connor McDavid (ankle) is out of the lineup. Skinner is up to six points, 37 shots on net, 10 hits and a minus-1 rating over 12 appearances in a middle-six role this season. He's likely auditioning to stay in the top six once McDavid's healthy, though Vasily Podkolzin is trying to do the same.

Skinner logged an assist in Thursday's 5-1 win over the Predators.

EDGE Analysis

Skinner snapped a five-game point drought when he helped out on a Zach Hyman tally in the third period. The 32-year-old Skinner had posted points in four straight outings prior to his slump. It's not unusual for his output to come in bunches, but he hasn't been immune from the Oilers' early struggles. Skinner has five points, 36 shots on net, eight hits and a minus-1 rating through 11 appearances, though he should see steady top-six minutes while Connor McDavid (ankle) is sidelined, which has led to Ryan Nugent-Hopkins shifting from left wing to center.

Skinner scored a goal on three shots in Thursday's 4-2 win over the Predators.

EDGE Analysis

Skinner has produced a four-game point streak following the Oilers' shutout loss on Opening Night. The 32-year-old has two goals, two assists, 18 shots on net and six hits through five contests. While he's been on the third line for the last two games, the Oilers have won those contests, so he may be stuck in a smaller role for a while. As one of the team's most consistent forwards early on, Skinner is likely first in line to move back into the top six when head coach Kris Knoblauch next changes up his lines.

Skinner logged an assist, three shots on goal and two hits in Tuesday's 4-3 overtime win over the Flyers.

EDGE Analysis

Skinner was dropped to the third line in this contest, registering just 11:49 of ice time. The 32-year-old had started the year in a second-line role, but head coach Kris Knoblauch had to shuffle things up after the Oilers lost their first three games. Skinner hasn't been a problem with a goal, two assists and 15 shots on net through four contests, but his scoring outlook takes a hit if he can't find his way back into the top six.

Skinner scored a goal on six shots and added two hits in Sunday's 4-1 loss to the Flames.

EDGE Analysis

With the Oilers' offense sputtering early in the season, head coach Kris Knoblauch shuffled Skinner to the top line with Connor McDavid and Zach Hyman. The change worked at first, as Skinner scored 1:16 into the game, but it didn't lead to a return to form for the team as a whole. Skinner has two points, 12 shots on net and three hits through three contests, and he should remain a fixture in the top six throughout the campaign.

Skinner notched an assist and two shots on goal in Saturday's 5-2 loss to the Blackhawks.

EDGE Analysis

Skinner's first point as an Oiler came on a Corey Perry tally just after a power play expired in the second period. The 32-year-old Skinner has added six shots on net through two contests, but he's yet to really click with linemates Leon Draisaitl and Viktor Arvidsson at even strength, though the same could be said for much of the Oilers' roster. As long as he stays in the top six, Skinner offers upside in points and shots, though he's unlikely to be a major factor on the power play in 2024-25.

Skinner signed a one-year, $3 million contract with the Oilers on Monday, per Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic.

EDGE Analysis

The final three seasons of Skinner's eight-year, $72 million contract were bought out by the Sabres after he was limited to 24 goals and 46 points in 74 outings in 2023-24. While his production wasn't sufficient to justify his old contract, his new price is reasonable for a winger who would be a strong presence on Edmonton's third line. Skinner has also exceeded the 30-goal milestone on six occasions, including the 2021-22 and 2022-23 campaigns, so there's also that outside chance that he could end up being a steal for the Oilers. Keep a close eye on how Edmonton utilizes him. While there's stiff competition for top-six spots, his fantasy value would naturally increase meaningfully if he gets to play alongside Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl.

The Sabres are buying out the remainder of Skinner's contract, GM Kevyn Adams told Matthew Fairburn of The Athletic on Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

Once the process is complete, Skinner will be eligible to become an unrestricted free agent Monday. He struggled last season with 46 points, including 24 goals, across 74 appearances. That's a sharp decline from 2022-23, when he finished with 35 markers and 82 points in 79 outings. Despite his recent drop in production, the 32-year-old is still capable of rebounding and being an impact forward in a top-six role. It wouldn't be surprising if he signs a one-year contract with a contender to re-establish his value before potentially getting a bigger payday in the summer of 2025.