Across the storied history of the Stanley Cup, there are countless iconic names that have been engraved as champions. Henri Richard. Wayne Gretzky. Mario Lemieux. Mark Messier. Rod Brind'Amour. In just a few short weeks, Jeff Skinner could become immortalized in history. All he needs are four more victories.
Skinner and the Edmonton Oilers begin their quest for the Stanley Cup on Wednesday night against the Florida Panthers, whom the Carolina Hurricanes lost to in the Eastern Conference Finals. The Oilers have made quick work of their three postseason opponents, needing just 16 games to reach the final. They've won 12 of their last 14 contests as they enter the best-of-seven series red hot.
Jeff Skinner was one of the main attractions in Raleigh during the dark days
It took Jeff Skinner a long time to not only make the finals, but to make the playoffs. It all began when the Hurricanes selected him 7th overall in the 2010 Entry Draft. He hit the ground running with the Canes. During his rookie campaign, Skinner was selected to the 2011 All-Star Game, becoming the youngest participant (18 years, 259 days) until Connor Bedard surpassed him in 2024.
Skinner remains the Hurricanes' rookie goals and points leader, lighting the lamp 31 times and recording 63 points in a healthy 82-game campaign. He was the league's rookie scoring leader and became the first, and still only, Hurricane to win the Calder Trophy, edging out San Jose's Logan Couture for the honor.
The next seven years had serious ebbs and flows for Skinner. Some years, Skinner looked incredible. Other years, he turned into a ghost. His lowest point, arguably, came in 2014-15 when he scored just 18 goals and 31 points. Skinner rebounded and produced 37 goals a few seasons later. In eight years, he scored 204 goals, the third-most since relocation, and 379 points.
Buffalo's short-term outlook helped the Hurricanes in the long run
As a new regime took over in 2018, wide-sweeping changes were made. One such change was a trade sending Jeff Skinner to the Buffalo Sabres. In return, the Hurricanes received prospect Cliff Pu, a 2nd rounder in 2019, and 2020 picks in the 3rd and 6th rounds. The Sabres were hoping Skinner might help them break their long postseason drought.
Like with the Hurricanes, Skinner's time in Buffalo was a rollercoaster ride. His first season was one of his best, scoring a career-high 40 goals. However, his next two seasons were rough, combining for 21 goals and 37 points in 112 games. Skinner turned it around, posting back-to-back 30-goal seasons, including a career-high 82 points in 2022-23. His contract was bought out in 2024.
The Canes made out pretty well in the deal. While Cliff Pu never laced up for the Hurricanes, the picks were all of good use. The 6th rounder helped the team shed Scott Darling's contract and bring in James Reimer from Florida, while the other two netted Pyotr Kochetkov in 2019 and Alexander Nikishin in 2020. This trade could have positive ramifications for many seasons to come.
Skinner might get the last laugh
Jeff Skinner used his newly found independence from the Sabres to sign a one-year deal with the 2024 runners-up. Having never played in the playoffs before, Skinner would get his chance to finally play meaningful hockey in April, May, and June. In his depth role, Skinner scored 16 goals and 29 points in 72 games.
He made his postseason debut in Game 1 of the 1st round against the Los Angeles Kings. Skinner recorded his first postseason point by assisting on Mattias Janmark's goal early in the third period of an eventual 6-5 loss. He was a healthy scratch for the rest of the series, the entire second round, and most of the conference finals before suiting up and scoring a goal in Game 5 against Dallas.
Even if he doesn't play in the Stanley Cup Final, Skinner meets the engraving requirement after playing in more than 41 games this season. It wouldn't be a bad way for Skinner to end his first postseason trip. I'm rooting for him to get some time in the finals. He's operating at a point-per-game clip. It would be cool to see him celebrate with the Cup, even if it isn't with the Hurricanes.