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NHL Rumors: Buffalo Sabers Introduce Buyout Candidate

Theo

It’s time for another round of NHL rumors as we head toward the end of the 2023-24 season. The Stanley Cup champion hasn’t been decided yet, but teams have already gotten a head start on their off-season work. Trades and signings have been made, but that’s only a small part of what’s happening. Possible takeovers are on the horizon for a number of players. The Buffalo Sabers could be a team that uses this tool. This edition of the NHL Rumors considers one of their forwards as a possible buyout candidate.

All NHL rumors are from the original source and are subject to change.

NHL Rumors

Buffalo Sabers forward could be bought out

Rumor: Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, on Tuesday’s edition of the Jeff Marek Show, said Sabers forward Jeff Skinner is a possible buyout candidate.

Analysis: The Sabers are trying to end the current longest Stanley Cup playoff drought and general manager Kevyn Adams is looking to make some major moves. Buffalo’s streak of playoff absences stands at 13 seasons. Friedman said it’s possible the forward could be bought out when the window opens two days after the Stanley Cup Final ends.

The insider mentioned that Sabers management has remained tight-lipped. However, other insiders mentioned that the buyout had a solid chance of happening. A buyout would pay Skinner two-thirds of his remaining salary over the next six seasons. There would be some initial savings, but there would eventually be dead space. This dead cap money will be allocated to the 2027-28 season and will last through 2029-30.

Difficult choices

Adams and the team will have $30 million in cap space if the buyout goes through. The team wants to add elements to its squad and finally change its destiny. However, the Sabers will have invested money in future free agents.

Skinner has only scored 24 goals and 46 points in 74 games during the 2023-24 season. He is currently earning $9 million for the next three seasons. Skinner had 357 goals and 670 points in 1,006 NHL games. The 32-year-old has been a good scorer at times during his career, but Buffalo wants to make the most of the team’s draft space.

Skinner’s contract could be a real burden for a team that wants some flexibility. The deal was signed when Jason Botterill was the team’s general manager. Adams has tried to take action, but this deal appears to be an anchor.

What is the next step if the buyout takes place?

The 14-year professional has scored 30 goals and even scored 40 in 2018-19. However, there have been some off seasons mixed in with these beautiful countrysides. It appears the Sabers want to move and are unwilling to be moved for those who have experienced big fluctuations in their scoring numbers.

There are also a number of exciting prospects eager to take Skinner’s place in the lineup. Perhaps Adams could give these young players a chance and also make some openings on July 1st.

A team could take a chance on Skinner and hope he can be productive. He would be a seemingly inexpensive option for a team looking for scoring from deep. The Toronto native likely wouldn’t have to shoulder the burden of being on the top line like he has with the Sabers for several seasons.

The longer the Stanley Cup final between the Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers goes on, the clock could get even tighter. Buyouts can begin two days after the season ends, but teams only have until 5 p.m. on June 30 before the window closes. Adams has probably already thought about it, but the window might be narrow.

Main photo by: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports

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