NHL insider adds 3 new destinations to Skinner sweepstakes

Ryan Stimson of The Athletic has once again made some very unlikely claims with Buffalo Sabres' pending UFA Jeff Skinner. He has added some destinations and options that could come to the Sabres if they can't re-sign the 26-year old winger.


Earlier this week, Stimson stated some pretty interesting destinations where Jeff Skinner could end up if Skinner and his agent can't come to a formal agreement with the Sabres organization. Keep in mind, the key word to this is IF they can't come to an agreement.

His next destination Stimson has claimed could be probable is the Ottawa Senators. According to him, the Sabres would go after either Mark Stone, who is currently a pending UFA, Matt Duchene, who is too a pending UFA, and finally Ryan Dzingel, who is having a career year with the struggling team, is set to be a UFA at the end of the season. If the Senators find a way to re-sign both Duchene and Stone, who are currently the team's most important assets, the Sabres would ask more than just Dzingel for Skinner straight up.

The next destination is New Jersey, Stimson continued. He says that the Buffalo Sabres have been eyeing New Jersey's Marcus Johansson who can bring a ton of offense and defence to the Buffalo core. New Jersey may have to add a sweeten the deal for the Sabres to part ways with Skinner if he doesn't re-sign.

The last and final destination Stimson inquired is Detroit. Stimson believes that Gustav Nyquist has been in the grapevine of trade talks with Buffalo. With Nyquist having a career year as well, this year could increase his trade value easily.

Stimson also inquired that a name that's been of interest to Buffalo is Jake Gardiner of the Toronto Maple Leafs since he could be a nice pairing defenceman for Rasmus Dahlin.

Stimson finished by saying the Buffalo GM Jason Botterill is better off spending $8-9 million on two forwards and get what he can for Skinner before he walks. It was reported that with Skinner going how he's going, he will ask around $8-9 million a year.

Although I doubt very much that Buffalo will let Skinner walk without trying their utmost best, what do you think will happen with Skinner? Signed or traded or free agency?