Jeff Skinner will not be moved by the Edmonton Oilers, according to the countdown to TradeCentre.

As the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline approaches, trade rumors are swirling around many teams, with the Edmonton Oilers being no exception. The Oilers, with their established superstars like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, have been in a constant search for ways to bolster their lineup to make a deeper run in the postseason. With the trade deadline drawing near, fans and analysts alike have been eagerly speculating about potential moves, particularly in terms of adding depth to their forward group or strengthening their defensive core.

One name that has recently been thrown into the conversation is Jeff Skinner of the Buffalo Sabres. Skinner, a dynamic and proven goal-scorer, has been one of the standout players for Buffalo over the past few seasons, and his impressive performance this year has only fueled the speculation about a potential trade. The Oilers, as a team known for their offensive prowess, are always on the lookout for players who can add to their already potent attack. However, according to recent reports, it seems that Skinner will not be moving to Edmonton, at least not before the trade deadline.

Jeff Skinner: A Consistent Scorer with the Buffalo Sabres

Jeff Skinner’s value as a player in the NHL has never been in doubt. Known for his natural goal-scoring ability, Skinner has consistently been one of the top offensive contributors for the Buffalo Sabres. With a career that includes multiple 30-goal seasons and the 2011 Calder Trophy for rookie of the year, Skinner has established himself as a player who can consistently put the puck in the net.

As of the 2024-2025 season, Skinner remains one of the top players for the Sabres. His leadership, combined with his offensive skills, makes him an attractive target for any contending team looking to add depth to their forward ranks. The fact that he has continued to perform at a high level, despite the Sabres’ struggles to return to playoff contention, shows his resilience and ability to elevate his game regardless of the team’s overall success.

Skinner’s goal-scoring prowess, which has seen him maintain a steady pace of production year after year, is especially appealing for a team like the Edmonton Oilers. The Oilers are known for their high-powered offense, led by McDavid and Draisaitl, but they have often struggled with secondary scoring. Adding a proven goal-scorer like Skinner would seemingly make sense for the Oilers, especially in their pursuit of a Stanley Cup.

The Edmonton Oilers’ Pursuit of Improvement

The Oilers, despite their elite talent at the top of the lineup, have been in search of that extra boost for some time. As the team has continued to compete for the top spot in the Western Conference, there have been moments where they’ve fallen short in key areas, particularly in depth scoring and defense. The addition of Jeff Skinner would have filled one of those gaps, adding another weapon to their already dangerous offense.

However, the Oilers’ pursuit of upgrades in their lineup is not simply about finding a goal-scorer. Edmonton has also been looking to shore up other areas of their roster, including their defensive core and their depth on the third and fourth lines. The current NHL landscape, particularly in the Western Conference, is incredibly competitive, and the Oilers are fully aware that to compete for the Stanley Cup, they need to ensure that all areas of their game are firing on all cylinders.

While Skinner would provide a much-needed offensive punch, his acquisition would likely require the Oilers to part with valuable assets. This is where the issue lies for the Oilers. Despite the obvious appeal of adding Skinner, it appears that Buffalo has no intention of moving the veteran winger before the trade deadline.

Why Jeff Skinner Won’t Be Moving to Edmonton

According to multiple sources close to the situation, the Buffalo Sabres have shown little to no interest in trading Jeff Skinner. While the Sabres have been in a rebuild mode for several seasons, the acquisition of Skinner was a significant move for the team, and they continue to view him as a cornerstone piece of their future. Skinner, despite his high salary cap hit, is still under contract for several more years, and the Sabres believe he is a key part of the team’s efforts to return to competitiveness.

The Sabres are reportedly keen on continuing to build around young stars like Tage Thompson and Rasmus Dahlin, with Skinner being a veteran presence who can help guide and mentor the team’s younger players. His experience, leadership, and ability to score goals make him a valuable asset for Buffalo as they work to develop a winning culture. Given this, the Sabres are not actively shopping Skinner, and it appears that his time in Buffalo will extend well beyond the current season.

Furthermore, the Sabres’ management is reportedly focused on long-term growth rather than making short-term decisions to trade away their established veterans. Skinner’s contract, while high, is not seen as a hindrance to Buffalo’s overall future plans. In fact, his deal is viewed as manageable within the current salary cap structure, especially with the team’s young stars still on their entry-level deals or less expensive contracts. For these reasons, trading Skinner to a team like the Oilers doesn’t align with Buffalo’s current trajectory.

The Oilers’ Options Moving Forward

With Skinner seemingly off the table for the Oilers, the team will likely continue to explore other options as they approach the trade deadline. The Oilers have been linked to several other players around the league, with a particular focus on bolstering their defense and adding more depth to their forward group. While adding a player like Skinner would have been an ideal scenario, the Oilers must now turn their attention to other avenues to improve their roster.

There are several potential trade targets that could help the Oilers bolster their lineup in the final stretch of the regular season. Edmonton may explore options such as adding a top-four defenseman, which could help solidify their blue line in anticipation of a deep playoff run. Additionally, they may look to acquire another forward who can contribute both offensively and defensively, complementing McDavid and Draisaitl while providing secondary scoring.

While the team’s focus may shift away from Skinner, the Oilers are still in a position to make a significant move. With a team as talented as Edmonton, the right addition could make all the difference come playoff time. The key for the Oilers will be identifying a player who can help them in areas of need without giving up too much in return.

The Big Picture: Looking Beyond the Trade Deadline

Looking beyond the trade deadline, the Edmonton Oilers will have to continue to refine their roster in the pursuit of a Stanley Cup. Whether or not they make a move before the deadline, the team will have to rely on their stars to lead the charge, and they will need strong contributions from their depth players to go deep in the postseason.

As for Jeff Skinner, his future with the Buffalo Sabres appears secure, at least for now. The Sabres are committed to developing their team with players like Skinner playing a crucial role in that effort. While Skinner’s name might continue to be linked to trade rumors, the reality is that Buffalo views him as an integral part of their long-term vision. For the Oilers, this means that they will need to look elsewhere for reinforcements, but with a deep roster already in place, they remain one of the most dangerous teams in the NHL..