3 Potential Free-Agent Destinations for Jeff Skinner

The Buffalo Sabres have walked away from Jeff Skinner and the three years remaining on his contract. Skinner is now free to sign anywhere he chooses this summer.

The 32-year-old veteran is coming off a 24-goal season in 2023-24 and has shown over the years, he's capable of putting up some big offensive numbers, including a 40-goal season in Buffalo. The Sabres felt his $9 million AAV the next three years was too rich and now have to deal with six years of dead cap space.

Skinner will be changing teams this summer, here's three teams will be trying to sign the Toronto, ON native:

Nashville Predators

The Predators don't have state income tax so can offer a little bit less as far as cap hit goes, but Skinner actually could take home much more money than other markets. The Predators are looking for secondary scoring this summer and adding a proven veteran will be something Barry Trotz has interest in. There's a small chance the Preds finish day one of free agency with Steven Stamkos and Skinner added up front.

Vancouver Canucks

With the Canucks likely losing out on Jake Guentzel, they will shift their priorities on the wing and Skinner could easily become a prime target. With the bargain cap hit after the buy out, it's going to be smart money bringing in the veteran scorer on a one-year prove it deal. The Canucks have to be creative this summer and adding Skinner is something that checks the box of what Vancouver need this offseason.

Los Angeles Kings

The Kings don't have a ton of cap space to work with this summer, considering their needs for a top-four defenseman and two top-six forwards. Moving Pierre-Luc Dubois helped, but adding bargain veterans may be what's best for GM Rob Blake. Skinner fits the bill and is someone who can immediately jump into their top six. The bright lights of Hollywood could be right up Skinner's alley too.