Jeff Skinner of the Carolina Hurricanes is available on the trade market this summer. The New York Rangers are a potential destination for the former Rookie of the Year winner.
Like the New York Rangers, the Carolina Hurricanes had a disappointing 2017-18 season. With a new owner, general manager and head coach, it looks like the Hurricanes are ready to shake things up. This includes making big changes to their lineup.
Hurricanes owner Tom Dundon announced that only one player on his team is untouchable: Finnish phenom Sebastian Aho.
One of the biggest names to come up in trade rumors is Jeff Skinner. Although the 26-year-old made a name for himself in Raleigh, it may be time for him to move on. If the Rangers are willing to pay the price, Skinner could get his fresh start in New York.
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Skinner’s Career in Review
Skinner’s career has been a bit of a roller coaster. After a rookie performance that earned him the Calder Trophy, things took a turn.
Skinner suffered a series of concussions over the next few years. They not only kept him off the ice, but led to less offensive production on the ice.
However, he has not had a concussion-related symptom since the 2014-15 season. So instead of a “concussion issue,” it could just be considered an obstacle along the way.
In the 2016-17 season, Skinner matched his career high in points with 63 and scored a career high of 37 goals. He even earned some Lady Byng votes.
The 2017-18 season was disappointing by comparison. Skinner earned just 49 points and scored just 24 goals. While the Hurricanes team struggled as a whole, this drop in production could also be credited to the way former head coach Bill Peters utilized him. He spent a lot of time on the third line with players like Lee Stempniak and Derek Ryan.
Skinner did play in all 82 games though, which is only the third time in his eight-year career.
Time to Move On
This is not the first time Skinner’s name has come up in trade rumors. It seems like his name is always on trade deadline lists and comes up during the offseason. Now with the statement from Dundon and Skinner entering the last year of his contract, rumors are heating up.
Skinner is entering the last year of a six-year, $34.3 million contract. His cap hit is $5.725 million.
In addition, he has a no-movement clause in his contract. Despite this, Skinner could take this opportunity to get a fresh start with a new team. In his eight years in the NHL, he has yet to play in a playoff game. With Taylor Hall making the playoffs with the Devils, Skinner’s drought is now the longest of any active player.
So ultimately a trade could benefit both sides.
Trading Skinner to New York
New York could be a destination for Skinner this offseason. The asking price could be high, but the Rangers have a first round pick to spare in this upcoming draft. General manager Jeff Gorton said he would be willing to trade one of the Rangers three first round picks this June.
Left wing is not a particularly strong area in the Rangers lineup currently, and Skinner could add depth and scoring.
While he doesn’t add much defensively, he has pure goal scoring talent and is almost guaranteed to contribute offensively. Also, his possession metrics were the highest of his career this season with a Corsi of 55.8 percent He has never recorded a Corsi under 50.
The Rangers are in the midst of a rebuild, but could stand to take the risk with Skinner while he’s available. He is still young, but has many years of NHL experience and leadership ability.
Trading for Jeff Skinner is a more out-of-the-box choice for the Rangers. He is an underrated talent and is in the top scorers all-time for his team.
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This would not be an Eric Staal 2.0 situation. Skinner would be joining a young, exciting Rangers team with a brand new head coach.
Overall, the trade could be a good fit for both teams and give the Rangers an offensive boost.