"The disappointment is immeasurable" "Time to move on": NHL fans react to Sabres buying out Jeff Skinner's contract

NHL insider Lance Lysowski reported that Buffalo Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams has announced the team's decision to buy out winger Jeff Skinner. He had signed a humongous 8-year contract on Jun. 7, 2019, with the Sabres, the deal was worth $72,000,000.

However, his performance didn't live up to the billing, and he was seen as overpaid due to only scoring 46 points in the 2023-24 season.

Lysowski tweeted on X:

"The Sabres are buying out Jeff Skinner, GM Kevyn Adams announced."

Soon, NHL fans found their way into the comment section to share their opinions on the move.

"The disappointment is immeasurable and my day is ruined," One fan said in frustration.

"TIME TO MOVE ON," another fan said.

"Give him a ceremony, silver stick, and 6 games later he's out the door," one fan said humorously.

Fans were mostly unhappy with Skinner's underwhelming performance as he was incapable of helping the team to reach the playoffs. The Sabres finished the season with 84 points and were placed 6th in the Atlantic Division. Here are some more reactions from fans on X:

"Couldn’t hear the question on the stream but it felt like he was throwing a grenade into the crowd as he walked away there. Damn!" one fan said.

"Congratulations to Skinner. Where ever he goes next should have tons of playoff success," a fan said in a rather hopeful way.

"That sucks that the guy wouldn't help the team out and accept a trade. Selfish, just like his play," another fan said.

---

Buffalo Sabres buy out Jeff Skinner’s contract, making him a free-agent

In order to free up cap space, the Buffalo Sabres have bought out the remaining term of Jeff Skinner’s deal. With this, the veteran forward becomes an unrestricted free agent.

It was declared by GM Kevyn Adams on Saturday. The buyout distributes 2/3 of the balance salary to Skinner over six seasons, trimming the Sabres’ salary cap to over $30M.

Skinner did have a dip in production this past season, scoring 24 goals and 46 points in 74 games. He has played 1,006 NHL games in his overall career and scored 357 goals and 670 points throughout his playing career.

Skinner holds the record for most games played (1,006 regular season games) without appearing in the playoffs. He is expected to move to a playoff-worthy team.