Reports from Buffalo this Wednesday morning indicate the Sabres are planning to utilize their buyout option on a forward, likely Jeff Skinner. This decision is rooted in Skinner’s current $9 million salary cap hit, which poses challenges to Buffalo’s financial flexibility over the next three seasons.
While the buyout will result in cap hits of $4 million and $6 million in the subsequent years, it will provide the Sabres with substantial immediate savings of over $7 million for the current season. This financial relief comes as Buffalo aims to break their longstanding playoff drought, spanning nearly fifteen years.
Skinner’s potential availability due to the buyout also adds intrigue to the upcoming free agent market, where teams like the Penguins could explore the opportunity. Despite Skinner’s hefty contract, there’s optimism that he could offer significant value at a reduced rate and possibly shorter term.
Comparisons are drawn to past scenarios, such as Matt Duchene’s one-year deal with the Dallas Stars, which proved fruitful after he contributed significantly to their successful season.
Skinner’s prowess as a goal-scorer remains a strong asset, despite some deficiencies in other aspects of his game. His ability to consistently find the back of the net could address a crucial need for teams like the Penguins, who struggled with goal-scoring and power play effectiveness in the previous season. Skinner’s track record includes impressive goal tallies, such as his recent seasons with over 30 goals, making him an enticing option for teams seeking offensive firepower.
In light of their offensive challenges and limited trade assets, the Penguins may find Skinner’s potential availability a compelling opportunity. While acknowledging Skinner’s imperfections, particularly away from the puck, the focus remains on his ability to bolster goal-scoring capabilities—a critical requirement for a team aiming to improve its offensive performance.
