BUFFALO, N.Y. — Jeff Skinner's time in Buffalo has come to an end.
The Sabres announced Sunday their decision to buy out the remainder of Skinner's contract, ending Skinner's tenure with the team after six seasons.
Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams confirmed Saturday at his post-NHL Draft news conference that the team had started the process of buying out forward Skinner's contract.
"We initiated the process today," Adams said about Skinner's buyout. "It's a step-by-step process."
He added, "The process was started this morning ... and that's our intention to move forward."
After Skinner posted 82 points the previous season, the now 32-year-old forward saw a significant dip in production this past year, tallying 46 points in 74 games.
Skinner has three years left on his deal that carries an average annual value of $9 million. The Sabres save around $7.5 million with the buyout of Skinner's contract, but he carries a cap hit the following six seasons, ranging from just over $1,444,445 the first year; to $4,444,445 the second year, and $6,444,445 the third year; to $2,444,445 the final three years.
While Adams had previously said all options were on the table and nothing had been finalized, Thursday he said whatever decision the team made would be with an eye toward the team improving from the year it had in 2023-2024.
“We underperformed last year as a group," he said. "We have to make hard decisions up and down our lineup. We have to figure out ways to get better, and that’s every decision we make this offseason is with that in mind and that’ll be part of this process we go through with Jeff."
Skinner shared his thoughts on Instagram following the decision:
Thank you Buffalo!
To all the Sabres support staff working behind the scenes, thank you for all your hard work and dedication.
To all my teammates, thank you! I am grateful to have been able to play with such great people and friends.
And to all the Sabres fans, thank you for all your support and making me feel at home in WNY for the past 6 years!
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