Oilers Beat Out Several Teams to Sign Free Agents This Summer
The Edmonton Oilers secured solid players in free agency despite other teams offering more. At least six players took lesser deals.
The Edmonton Oilers have made significant strides in free agency, with several players opting to take less money to join the team. This trend highlights the Oilers’ status as serious contenders for the Stanley Cup and is a real narrative shift from a few seasons ago when the team and the city struggled to get anyone to seriously consider signing.
Jeff Skinner, Adam Henrique, and Viktor Arvidsson are among the notable players who have chosen Edmonton over other lucrative offers and it speaks to how much these players believe in what the Oilers have built and are building.
Jeff Skinner Chose the Oilers Over the Maple Leafs
Jeff Skinner, a highly sought-after forward, revealed that the consistent interest from the Oilers was a key factor in his decision. “My goal is to fit in and be a piece of the puzzle and bring the things that I do well to the team,” Skinner said. He’s excited about the idea of playing with one of Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl.
Skinner could have played with two other elite offensive talents in Toronto. According to reports, he had the chance to play in Toronto as the Maple Leafs were in on Skinner until the end. But, for a team bound for the playoffs and likely to go on a deep run, it was too appealing to pass up.
Skinner’s signing was a significant win for Edmonton, especially considering that Toronto was close to securing him.
Adam Henrique’s Loyalty to Edmonton
Adam Henrique also turned down higher offers to stay with the Oilers. Winnipeg offered him $3.5 million per year for two years, and he was courted by Jon Cooper to join the Tampa Bay Lightning. However, Henrique chose to re-sign with Edmonton. “Everybody is team-first,” Henrique said, emphasizing the team’s culture.
