The Chicago Blackhawks possess ample salary cap space and a desire to bolster their roster with experienced players, while the Buffalo Sabres are in dire need of shedding a burdensome contract.
Jeff Skinner’s contract has long been cited as a cautionary tale in player negotiations.
Following his standout 2017-2018 season with Carolina, during which he scored 40 goals and earned a significant raise, Buffalo signed him to a lucrative deal, banking on his continued high-level performance. However, Skinner’s production declined in the subsequent seasons, exacerbated by disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. His $9 million contract began to seem excessively exorbitant, earning scrutiny as one of the NHL’s worst contracts.
Despite this, Skinner experienced a resurgence in recent seasons, with notable performances including two 30-goal seasons in the last three years. Yet, for the Sabres, his hefty cap hit remains unjustifiable.
