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40-Goal Scoring Target Of The Leafs Was Shockingly Healthy Scratched, Adding To Trade Speculation

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Daniel Lucente
December 30, 2024  (10:29)
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Edmonton Oilers' Jeff Skinner seen during a game
Photo credit: Sportsnet video screenshot

The Oilers shockingly scratched former 40-goal scorer Jeff Skinner, who many believed was a top trade target for the Leafs, now adding to speculation.

The Edmonton Oilers surprised many Sunday by making Jeff Skinner a healthy scratch, leaving the former 40-goal scorer in the press box. Jeff Skinner has struggled this season and looked nothing like the dynamic player he once was.

The move raises questions about Skinner's future in Edmonton. If the Oilers decide to move on, the Maple Leafs should be very interested in adding him to their roster.

Former elite scorers like Skinner don't hit the open market too often, and he could fill a number of needs for Toronto. That's why Skinner's versatility could work in so many different roles.

He could be one to help round out the top nine, whether joining Mitch Marner to take some weight off of a few other players or providing some scoring support to John Tavares and Auston Matthews.

Alternatively, Skinner could bring scoring depth to a fast, gritty checking line. At a $3 million cap hit, Skinner is fairly cheap, but the Leafs will likely have to sweeten the pot with draft picks to pry him from Edmonton.

A package including a depth player, and a few picks could convince the Oilers to make a deal, especially if they've lost confidence in reviving Skinner's game.

Skinner, signed to a one-year deal, has been a consistently good scorer in both Carolina and Buffalo, averaging over 25 goals a season.

Off the back of a poor season so far with six goals and 12 points, Skinner brings playoff experience and an upside chance at finding his scoring touch once again, something Toronto desperately needs.

Brad Treliving should investigate what it would cost to acquire Skinner in order to bring a proven scorer into the fold, which could give the team some much-needed offensive spark.

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30 DECEMBRE   |   254 ANSWERS
40-Goal Scoring Target Of The Leafs Was Shockingly Healthy Scratched, Adding To Trade Speculation

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