Buffalo, New York – The Buffalo Sabres made a significant move on Sunday, announcing the buyout of forward Jeff Skinner’s contract with three years remaining. Skinner, 32, had initially signed an eight-year, $72-million deal back in June 2019. By buying out Skinner’s contract, the Sabres will free up important salary cap space as they prepare to enter free agency, which is set to open on July 1.
This decision to buy out Skinner’s contract is aimed at reducing the team’s financial burden and creating flexibility for future transactions. While the Sabres will have to pay Skinner over the next six years, the decreased salary cap hit compared to his original $9 million annual average will allow for more maneuverability within the team’s overall budget.
With the buyout completed, the Sabres are now in a better position to make strategic moves during the upcoming free agency period. By increasing their salary cap space, the team can potentially pursue new signings or trades that could bolster their roster for the upcoming season.
Skinner, a seasoned player in the league, has had a successful career thus far, and this buyout marks a new chapter for both him and the Sabres organization. Moving forward, the Sabres will look to make the most of this opportunity to strengthen their team and work towards achieving their goals for the upcoming season under fresh circumstances.
As the NHL offseason progresses, teams across the league are making similar moves to restructure their rosters and prepare for the new season. The Sabres’ buyout of Skinner’s contract is just one example of the strategic decisions being made by teams to position themselves effectively for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.