Jeff Skinner Makes Sense For The Sharks, But Not His Career
Buffalo Sabres forward Jeff Skinner is expected to be bought out, and when he hits the open market, the San Jose Sharks should target him.
Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports - Jeff Skinner Makes Sense For The Sharks, But Not His CareerBuffalo Sabres forward Jeff Skinner is expected to be bought out, and when he hits the open market, the San Jose Sharks should target him.
Skinner has three years remaining on his contract at $9 million AAV. With being bought out, any team wanting to sign the winger won't have to pay nearly as much as if he was a pending UFA.
Skinner had an up-and-down tenure with the Sabres. He was an All-Star in 2011 and 2019. He has scored over 30 goals six times, with his career high being 40, set in 18-19.
The 32-year-old has been a productive offensive forward throughout his career in the NHL with the Carolina Hurricanes and Sabres. He's scored some great goals and knows what it takes to be in the league daily. The Sharks seek veterans to help show the way for Will Smtih and Macklin Celebrini.
The consensus around the league is that Skinner can still play at a high level. His shot and skating ability haven't left him, and the only knock was his high cap hit.
But why would the 32-year-old sign across the country in San Jose? The truth is, Skinner will likely want to go to a team with the best shot of making the postseason.
Despite playing 1,006 games, Skinner has yet to play a single Stanley Cup Playoff game. Skinner just watched former teammates Evan Rodrigues, Kyle Okposo, Brandon Montour, and Sam Reinhart win the Stanley Cup with the Florida Panthers. Jack Eichel also won the cup with the Vegas Golden Knights in 2022.
From a mentor perspective, Skinner is the perfect fit for Mike Grier to sign. The likelihood of the 2011 Calder Trophy winner wanting to wait even longer for a postseason chance doesn't seem likely.
The buyout window begins tomorrow and runs through Sunday.
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