After a month of the 2024/25 season, the Edmonton Oilers have once again been off to a slow start, with a 6-6-1 start to the season giving them plenty of time to build into their Stanley Cup chase after falling just short a year ago. However, there are many question marks over their current roster, and even after picking up both Jeff Skinner and Victor Arvidsson, the offense hasn't quite clicked yet.
Now, in a surprising new report, Insider Bob Stauffer has revealed that Jeff Skinner is quickly becoming a genuine trade candidate, despite the 2025 NHL trade deadline still being months away.
It's unclear if Skinner is being actively shopped by the Oilers or if this means that they are simply listening to calls on the veteran forward, but either way, it's not a good sign given that he only arrived this past off-season. In 13 games played this season, Skinner has tallied 3 goals and 6 points, and after not providing the impact in their top-six, it makes sense that the team could be looking for an upgrade.
However, just like there's plenty of time for this team to turn it around, there's plenty of time for Skinner to find his footing with the Oilers, and after posting 47 goals just two years ago, it makes sense for Edmonton to be patient with him. Ultimately though, this team is looking for a Stanley Cup in 2024/25, and if someone isn't working out, it makes sense to move on quickly, so keep a close eye on his play moving forward.