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Buffalo Sabres to Acquire Jeff Skinner

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After the NHL Draft, news emerged that the Buffalo Sabers would execute the Jeff Skinner buyout. This news was confirmed by Sabers general manager Kevyn Adams on Saturday. Skinner will become an unrestricted free agent once the buyout is completed. The buyout process can begin immediately since Skinner has a full no-movement clause.

The Sabers will formalize the buyout of Jeff Skinner

Skinner played against the Carolina Hurricanes and Sabres during his 14-year NHL career. It was a tough year for the Toronto native, as he scored 24 goals and 22 assists for 46 points in 74 games this season. His Corsi was 57.8 and he had a relative Corsi of 10.4.

The 32-year-old has 357 goals and 313 assists for 670 points in 1,006 career games. Carolina originally drafted Skinner in the first round, seventh overall, of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. He holds the dubious record for most career games without a Stanley Cup Playoff appearance.

He has represented his native Canada on the international stage on several occasions. Skinner has played in four IIHF World Championship tournaments. He helped his home country win a silver medal at the 2017 tournament. Skinner scored eight goals during that tournament.

What this means

The 2011 Calder Trophy winner would have been due to make $9 million per season over the past three years if no buyout had taken place. This trade allows the Sabers to get more space under the salary cap, but it’s another big signing that didn’t come to fruition.

Skinner is now free to join another team. The veteran forward has had some great seasons. However, he has yet to experience playoff hockey. He will likely try to work out a deal with a contender to end this long streak of futility.


He could be a depth scorer for a contending team and that shouldn’t have a big impact on the team’s salary cap. Skinner could finally get a taste of post-season hockey.

Main photo by: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

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