Thrust into the lineup that fall, Skinner became the first 18-year-old since Steve Yzerman to make the NHL All-Star Game. His successful rookie campaign continued with Rookie of the Month honors for the month of January and at season's end he became the first Hurricane ever to win the Calder Trophy, given annually to the league's best rookie.
His first-year, 63-point campaign got his career off to a promising start, as he would produce 20 goals or better in five of his next seven seasons. Including 33 during the 2013-14 season and 37 during the 2016-17 season, Skinner's enjoyable personality and goal-scoring prowess made him a consistent fan favorite during some of the franchise's struggling years.
He remained an offensive contributor for the team until the summer of 2018 when he was dealt to the Buffalo Sabres.
Video: Welcome Back, Jeff Skinner!
> "The Hurricanes franchise never had a rookie of the year but that all changed in 2010 with the selection of Jeff Skinner. Skinner took the league by storm in his debut season setting Hurricanes rookie records for scoring, being named to the NHL All-Star Game, and being chosen as the Calder Trophy winner. Skinner was one of the organization's most dynamic goal scorers in his time with Carolina averaging 25 goals per year over eight seasons in Hurricanes jersey." - Mike Maniscalco, Hurricanes Hall of Fame Committee Member and Play-by-Play Voice, Bally Sports South
