The Buffalo Sabres officially parted ways with Jeff Skinner, their highest-paid forward, by buying out the final three years of his contract on Sunday. This decision came a day after GM Kevyn Adams informed the media at the NHL draft in Las Vegas that he had started the buyout process. It highlights another instance of the Sabres’ roster mismanagement during their NHL-record 13-season playoff drought.
At 32, Skinner is now the third player the Sabres have bought out in this period, joining Ville Leino and Christian Ehrhoff. The buyout occurs as the Sabres are again in transition, with Lindy Ruff returning as head coach, replacing Don Granato, who was dismissed after the team finished 12th in the Eastern Conference.
The decision also underscores Adams’ inability to find a trade partner, complicated by Skinner’s no-move clause. This concludes Skinner’s inconsistent six-year tenure in Buffalo, where he faced criticism for his defensive play. After being traded from Carolina in 2018, he scored a career-high 40 goals in his first season, leading to an eight-year, $72 million contract.
The buyout frees up $7.55 million in salary cap space for Buffalo next season, although they must pay two-thirds of the remaining $22 million owed to Skinner over the next six years.
As a 14-year veteran, Skinner now becomes a free agent, continuing his pursuit of a playoff appearance. Including his eight seasons in Carolina, his 1,006 NHL games are the most for any player who hasn’t been part of a playoff team.
Last season, Skinner underperformed, scoring 24 goals but only 46 points, a drop from his previous season’s 35 goals and career-best 82 points. In an April interview, Skinner mentioned focusing on variables affecting his play and stated his intent to help the team in any role, evaluating and adjusting his performance when necessary.
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