After playing 1,078 NHL games, veteran forward Jeff Skinner will finally experience what every hockey player dreams of — the Stanley Cup Playoffs. On Monday night, the 32-year-old winger will hit the ice for Game 1 against the Los Angeles Kings, wearing the Edmonton Oilers jersey.
It’s a huge moment not just for Skinner, but for hockey fans everywhere who’ve followed his long journey. This is the longest wait any NHL player has ever had before playing his first playoff game — and now, the moment has arrived.
A New Start with the Edmonton Oilers
Skinner signed a one-year, $3 million contract with the Oilers on July 1, 2024, with one goal in mind — to play meaningful playoff hockey. He joined a roster full of talent and expected to make a big impact. Many fans and analysts thought he would score 25 to 30 goals, especially with players like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl around him.
But things didn’t start smoothly.
Struggles and Setbacks During the Regular Season
From October to December, Skinner scored only six goals, and his average ice time was just 12:55 per game. He even sat out as a healthy scratch in 10 games, raising questions about his place in the team. Coach Kris Knoblauch was straightforward when asked how Skinner could earn more playing time, saying: “Just play good hockey.”
Though that comment was later softened, the message was clear — Skinner needed to do more.
A Turnaround in 2025
Things began to change in January. Skinner started playing better, and when injuries hit the Oilers in March, he got a chance on the top line with Connor McDavid and Connor Brown. He made the most of it — scoring nine goals and 14 points in his final 29 games, with a +10 rating.
Skinner showed he can still contribute, especially in important moments. And now, with the Oilers dealing with some injury absences, he’s earned a spot in the Game 1 lineup.
A Moment to Remember
Skinner spoke about finally reaching this moment, saying:
“It’s a good feeling. You kind of work towards it all year… now we try to get rolling.”
Captain Connor McDavid recognized Skinner’s journey by giving him the team’s championship belt after they clinched a playoff spot on April 11. That moment was a sign of the respect Skinner has earned from his teammates.
Still Playing to Prove Himself
Even though Skinner will play in Game 1, his place in the lineup is not guaranteed for the entire playoffs. When players like Evander Kane and Trent Frederic return from injury, there could be tough decisions ahead for the coaching staff.
Skinner doesn’t play on the power play or penalty kill, which limits his role. In playoff hockey, where defense becomes even more important, players are expected to contribute in all zones. That puts extra pressure on Skinner to perform well — every game is not just a playoff match, but also a chance to prove he belongs in the lineup.
Will Skinner Stay or Sit?
When the full roster is healthy, someone will have to sit out. Could it be Skinner? Or will someone like Kasperi Kapanen or Max Jones lose their spot first?
What’s clear is that Skinner remains one of the most motivated players on the team. After 1,078 games, he finally has a shot at playoff glory — and he won’t want to waste it.
Jeff Skinner’s journey to his first playoff game has been long, emotional, and filled with ups and downs. Now, as he gets ready to play for the Edmonton Oilers against the Kings, he has a golden chance to prove he can still make a difference. Whether he becomes a playoff hero or simply provides depth scoring, Skinner’s debut will be one of the most talked-about moments of the postseason. His story is proof that perseverance pays off — and fans everywhere will be watching closely to see what happens next.
