As the still in Grier's statement implies, Skinner turned 33 in May. However, he is just two years removed from a career year—an 82-point campaign for the Buffalo Sabres, with whom he spent six years. He also won the Calder Trophy as the league's rookie of the year in 2011 with the Carolina Hurricanes.

In the more recent past, Skinner scored 16 goals and recorded 13 assists for the Oilers—adding two points in five games played in the playoffs.