Insider reveals Jeff Skinner almost signed with another Canadian team
Jeff Skinner decided to sign a contract fresh off a buyout in free agency with the Edmonton Oilers, but just how close was he to joining another Canadian team? Closer than you think.
Jeff Skinner signed a one year deal with the Edmonton Oilers worth 3 million dollars on July 1st, but the Oilers weren't the only Canadian team in on Skinner.
According to Chris Johnston of TSN and The Chris Johnston Show, Skinner snubbed the Toronto Maple Leafs who also made a similar offer to him in free agency, electing to sign in Edmonton.
Chris Johnston on TCJS says Leafs talked to Jeff Skinner, pitched him on the idea of playing next to Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner, ultimately he chose Edmonton. Skinner is coming off a buyout from the Buffalo Sabres and would definitely add some pop to both the Leafs and Oilers lineup. Skinner is from the Toronto area though so it is rather surprising that he would choose Edmonton over his hometown team. However, with McDavid and Draisaitl on the Oilers of course that is appealing as well.
Does this speak to the problems in the Leafs room though? The supposed culture issue that has plagued the team for some time? It would appear that way.
POLL |
JUILLET 3 | 260 ANSWERS Insider reveals Jeff Skinner almost signed with another Canadian team Do you think Skinner is a better fit for the Oilers? |
Yes | 164 | 63.1 % |
No | 52 | 20 % |
Nobody wants to go to Toronto | 44 | 16.9 % |
List of polls |
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