Skinner looking for a way out of Buffalo?!

He could be a very coveted free agent? Who wants in?

HockeyFeed
HockeyFeed
Published 5 years ago
Skinner looking for a way out of Buffalo?!
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The Buffalo Sabres made significant changes during the offseason, on top of landing the coveted first round pick in Rasmus Dahlin back in June. Clearly, the changes have been beneficial as the Sabres have put up an 8-6-2 record so far this season. 

However, Buffalo needs to be careful moving forward, to make sure it can remain stronger and stronger. And when it comes to keeping winger Jeff Skinner, who was acquired as one of the significant changes this summer, there might be some lingering doubt... 

Skinner is in the final year of his deal that carries a $5.725 million salary cap hit, and he’ll likely be looking for more than that on a long-term deal. However, Sabres general manager Jason Botterill recently said that contract extension talks with Skinner can “wait until later in the year.”

It was finally time to hear it from the horse's month when Mike Harrington of the Buffalo News talked with the forward, prior to last night's game against the Montreal Canadiens. Skinner revealed that he’s happy in Buffalo so far, but remained vague about what he wants to do moving forward in Buffalo.

"For me as a player, you focus on the things you can control," Skinner told The Buffalo News after practice Wednesday. "There are agents and management people, guys who are really a lot smarter than me, who deal with that kind of stuff. Fortunately for me, I focus on playing. That sort of thing will figure itself out in time.
"I'm happy with the adjustment that's taken place in Buffalo. I'm comfortable and happy here. I'm just focusing on getting better, going game by game and getting where we want to be."

The Sabres cannot afford to lose Skinner, in the same way the New York Islanders need to make sure they can re-sign Jordan Eberle. Just last night in the overtime win over the Habs, Skinner recorded two goals to keep his streak going. He has five goals in his last four games, with two contests of two goals scored. Skinner has 11 goals and seven assists through 16 games so far in his first season with Buffalo. Skinner seems to be equaling linemate Jack Eichel’s production and that could provide the boost to make him a very desirable free agent, if ever he wants out of Buffalo and test the free agency market.