Top Maple Leafs Free Agent Target Unexpectedly Healthy Scratched Sparking Trade Speculation
The Edmonton Oilers made an expensive scratch on Sunday leaving former 40-goal scorer Jeff Skinner out of the lineup for their game against Anaheim.
In a surprising move on Sunday afternoon, the Edmonton Oilers left Jeff Skinner in the press box and made him a healthy scratch. Struggling this season, the former 40-goal scorer has looked a shell of his former self out West.
The move however shocking, does lead to speculation as to whether or not the forward is going to stay in Edmonton past this season. But if he is on the way out, the Maple Leafs should look at him a second time.
Jeff Skinner's Fresh Start Would Immediately Boost Toronto
Not too often does a former elite goal scorer fall into your lap, but for Brad Treliving and company, Skinner would be the solution to a lot of issues.
Able to slide in the Top 9, he can play the wing alongside Mitch Marner (and give Matthew Knies a much needed reprieve) or help John Tavares and William Nylander on the second.
Heck, he can even line up with Nick Robertson and Max Domi to form a speedy, grindy checking line that has a lot of scoring potential.
He's fairly cheap at $3M although the Leafs will probably need to add a few draft picks to sweeten the deal, if Edmonton feels they can revive him still though comments from his head coach might say otherwise.
A deal for Pontus Holmberg, a late 2025 pick and the team's 2026 third-rounder should be enough to sway Stan Bowman to part with Skinner.
Signed to a one-year deal this season, Skinner was once one of the league's deadliest scorers. Averaging 25.5 goals with Carolina since being drafted 7th overall by the club, he picked up where he left off when he in Buffalo.
Scoring an identical average of 25.5 goals with the Sabres, he was often the bright spot in some very dismal seasons. This year has been anything but the Skinner of old, with six goals and 12 points, so at least he's been consistent much like his career.
It would give the Maple Leafs a solid veteran with playoff experience and the potential to break out and score a ton of goals for a team desperate for offense.
Brad Treliving should be blowing up the Oilers' phone to see what it would cost to bring Skinner into the fold.
