San Jose Sharks beat writer Curtis Pashelka writes”Veteran winger Jeff Skinner faces some uncertainty as the Sharks get healthy, as both Shakir Mukhamadullin and Kiefer Sherwood are close to returning. The Sharks currently only have one roster spot available.” In other words, Skinner could be the odd man out in San Jose, and a trade could be imminent.
Skinner could even be part of a deal that sends Artemi Panarin to the Sharks, a team rumored to have reached out to the New York Rangers, and could include a Panarin extension.
Interestingly, Skinner has a full no-trade clause until Friday, January 30. Then it becomes an eight-team roster until the end of the season, when he becomes an unrestricted free agent. There seems to be a good chance that Skinner will opt out of a visit to the Rangers, assuming they can offer him playing time that he won’t get with the Sharks.
A tough place for Skinner to be… Again
The former Edmonton Oiler may be feeling mixed feelings about his situation. He wanted to play postseason games and thought he would get that opportunity last season with the Oilers for the first time in his NHL career. Instead, he found himself on the outside looking in, playing just five total playoff games. Considering his NHL career started in 2010, that’s a long time without playoff hockey.
When he signed with the Sharks this summer, Skinner probably didn’t realize this team would be as competitive as it is. If he opts out of going to the Rangers, he’s essentially giving up another chance at playoff hockey. The Rangers are being sold because they are restructuring. Buying the Sharks to make a playoff push.
It’s also not likely to be turned over. With a cap hit of $3 million and just six goals and 13 points this season, he won’t be a popular trade option for contenders at the deadline. In fact, this could be his last chance to secure a contract for next season.
There is no guarantee that a Panarin deal will happen with San Jose, nor that Skinner would be involved. That said, it appears the Sharks are looking to move on from the veteran winger so they can do other things at the deadline.
Next: Oilers Scouts Watch Rangers as Trade Speculation Emerges
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