Quoting: Boomer125
Skinner will likely "bounce back" playing with Eichel, if the Sabres can find a 2C then at least they'll have options in the top 6 , Rico isn't it , although clearing 14.4 million has its positives it ultimately sets the back to Eichels draft year
Quoting: Caniac2000
As someone that watched Skinner for his entire career, this is the real Skinner. He needs a playmaker. He worked so well with Jordan Staal for that reason. It's difficult when he isn't because he isn't scoring, and defensively, Skinner just isn't good. He'll likely bounce back to around the 20-25 goal mark, but he's not gonna hit 30. Him hitting 40 was a career year, he won't do that likely ever again. I say likely because teams are dumb and if someone dumps a high-end playmaker in Buffalo.... but probably not.
Quoting: chloewoj
good thing buffalo already has an elite playmaker that skinner can play with!!
I did not know Victor Rask and Derek Ryan were considered "elite centers" as they were Skinner's line mates his last 2 seasons with Carolina.
It was certainly more likely that he was carrying Rask, than the other way.
While the team was in the middle of a losing streak they went to Europe with a 9-4-2 record.
Both Ristolainen and Skinner were pushed around by Tampa, and not one stepped in to stop it.
Ten games later they are 11-10-4. The season was essentially over at that point.
I think Buffalo needs to add a player like Kassian who will step up.
Maybe Wayne Simmonds can step into that role.
I am the eternal optimist, but IMO Jeff will bounce back and suddenly everyone will be thrilled the we have him locked up for the balance of his career.