Kraken Could Be Interested In Sabres' Forward Jeff Skinner

The Seattle Kraken could be in the market to acquire Buffalo Sabres' forward Jeff Skinner.

Elliotte Friedman mentioned on his podcast, 32 Thoughts that the Kraken could be interested in Jeff Skinner if he's bought out.

The Sabres have been pondering the idea of buying him out and have until June. 30, when the initial buyout window closes. Skinner signed an eight-year, $9M AAV contract back in 2019. With three years remaining the Sabres are considering moving on and possibly buying him out.

If the Sabres do buy him out, they would have to compete with other teams to sign him. The advantage is that they can offer him a contract that is considerably lower than $9M, but other teams would be on the same playing field.

The Kraken could try to acquire the 32-year-old before he's bought out via trade but Friedman mentioned that Skinner might not be inclined to waive his no-trade clause. Jeff Marek and Friedman did mention that they believe Jason Boterill, the Kraken's assistant GM could have a positive effect. He was the Sabres GM who traded for Skinner and then extended him.

The Canadian winger scored 24 goals and 46 points in 74 games last season in another year where the Sabres failed to make the playoffs. Skinner has now played in 1006 career regular season games without an appearance in the postseason.

The Sabres gave Skinner the massive contract extension after he scored 40 goals playing on Jack Eichel's wing. Injuries to Eichel and Skinner's inability to find his game led him to having one of the worst contracts in NHL history for the next two seasons.

Before the 2023-24 campaign, the former seventh overall pick had back to back 30-goal seasons and averaged over a point-per-game in 2022-23.

Skinner is still a capable NHL player who is a beloved teammate. If it weren't for his overbearing cap hit, he would be wanted by many teams.

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