Jeff Skinner didn’t linger long on the free agent market—twice. After years of ups and downs, he’s landed in San Jose with something most scorers his age crave: one more fresh start.
On paper, it looks like a late-career landing spot—a proven winger joining a team deep in rebuild mode. But if you look closer, you’ll see this is a deliberate bet. The Sharks are wagering that a player who has spent his entire career smiling through adversity still has plenty to give—and can teach a young roster how to climb out of the basement.
I’ve seen Skinner’s joy firsthand. I first watched him as a minor midget with the Toronto Young Nationals during the OHL Cup, skating alongside Tyler Seguin. Even then, you could feel how much he loved to score. Later, covering his time with the Kitchener Rangers, I remember thinking he looked like the happiest player on the ice every single time he found the net.
OHL fans will remember that stretch vividly. One of the photos I’m sharing with this story shows Skinner scoring in that pivotal 2010 playoff series against the Windsor Spitfires—a moment that perfectly captured his mix of skill and unshakable enthusiasm.
When Carolina called his name at the NHL Draft, he walked across the stage with that same big grin. And I’d bet he’s wearing it again now, knowing he has another chance to prove he can still finish.
How He Got Here: A Quick Timeline
To appreciate this move, you need to understand the path:
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June 30, 2024 – Buffalo Buyout: The Sabres bought out the final three years of his eight-year, $72 million contract, making Skinner an unrestricted free agent.
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July 1, 2024 – Edmonton Signing: Just one day later, he signed a one-year, $3 million deal with the Oilers. In Edmonton, he finally played in the postseason for the first time in his 15-year career, scoring a goal and adding an assist in five playoff games during their Stanley Cup Final run.
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July 11, 2025 – San Jose Contract: Less than two weeks ago, he inked another one-year, $3 million deal—this time with the Sharks, who see his value as a bridge veteran for a young team.
Why This Move Makes Sense
San Jose isn’t pretending this signing changes everything overnight. But they understand that a rebuild without veterans can turn toxic fast. Here’s why this deal is smarter than it looks:
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They need goals. The Sharks finished 31st in scoring last year. Even at this stage of his career, Skinner can still put up 20+ goals.
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He’s been through it all. From Carolina’s growing pains to Buffalo’s endless resets to Edmonton’s Cup run, he knows how to stay engaged when the standings don’t flatter you.
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The price is right. Because of Buffalo’s buyout, San Jose gets a proven top-six winger without tying their hands financially.
And there’s one more important layer:
A Reconnection Years in the Making
Skinner isn’t coming in cold. He already has a built-in bond with Sharks winger Tyler Toffoli, going back to their early days in Toronto minor hockey. When Skinner signed, Toffoli was one of the first to text him.
“Skinner says he’s excited to reconnect with Toffoli, the former Ottawa 67’s captain, He said Toffoli texted him after he signed.
That history matters. In a locker room full of young faces, having a familiar voice can smooth the transition and spark early chemistry.
What Sharks Fans Should Expect
Skinner isn’t coming to be the savior. He’s coming to do what he’s always done: finish plays, lift the energy, and wear that big smile after every goal.
He’ll likely see plenty of power-play time, help insulate players like William Eklund and Thomas Bordeleau, and bring credibility to a lineup that needs it.
And for anyone who hasn’t followed him in recent years, here’s the simplest scouting report: he still has one of the quickest releases in hockey—and he still absolutely loves to use it.
f you loved this story rooted in junior hockey’s rich history, you’re going to enjoy my new book, Junior Hockey Giants: Road to the NHL, coming very soon. Watch here on Substack or visit HockeyDocs.com for more information.
Why This Resonates with Me
Even though I haven’t been covering every game in the last few seasons, I’ve watched Skinner’s journey up close. From that OHL Cup with Seguin, to the Kitchener years, to draft day in Carolina, it was always the same: the big grin, the love of scoring, and the resilience to keep showing up no matter what.
This signing isn’t just a transaction. It’s a reminder that experience matters—and that joy doesn’t fade when you still believe you can help.
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