Kevyn Adams, the general manager of the Buffalo Sabres, has confirmed that veteran winger Jeff Skinner has been bought out, effective immediately.
Skinner had three years left on his eight-year contract, worth an annual $9 million, signed in 2019. As a result of the buyout, the Sabres will incur dead cap space for six seasons. This starts with $1.44 million in 2024-25, increases to $6.44 million in 2026-27, and then reduces to $2.44 million for the final three years.
The Sabres initially signed Skinner to enhance their chances of making the playoffs, a feat they last achieved in the 2010-11 season. While he impressed in his first year by scoring 40 goals, his performance declined in the following seasons.
Although he experienced a resurgence in the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons, Skinner's performance dropped in 2023-24, with 24 goals and 46 points, among the lowest of his career during seasons he played more than 64 games.
Despite the buyout, Skinner's ability to score goals at a reduced cost could make him an appealing option for teams looking for budget-friendly scoring talent.