NHL Draft and Buffalo Sabers Free Agency: Will Jeff Skinner’s Buyout Happen After the Stanley Cup Final?

The Buffalo Sabers could consider buying out the final three years of Jeff Skinner’s contract as the NHL buyout window opens, potentially freeing up cap space to improve the roster.

In numbers

• Skinner’s contract carries a $9 million salary, but a buyout could clear $7.55 million in cap space for the 2024-25 season.
• The cap on the buyout would be $4.44 million in 2025-26, $6.44 million in 2026-27 and $2.44 million for the following three seasons.

Yes, but

Skinner holds a no-movement clause and his preference to stay close to his family in Toronto could impact potential buyout negotiations.

State of play

• Buffalo faces decisions ahead of the NHL draft and free agency, aiming to improve the roster after a disappointing season that led to a coaching change.
• Speculation surrounds Skinner’s future with the team, given his declining performance and the potential to free up significant cap space through a buyout.

And after

The Sabers will likely evaluate Skinner’s willingness to waive his no-movement clause and negotiate potential buyout terms in an effort to address the team’s needs and end their playoff drought.

Conclusion

The Buffalo Sabers find themselves at a pivotal moment as they consider leveraging a buyout to improve their roster and address long-standing challenges, potentially signaling a significant shift in their approach to player contracts and strategy team.