Sabres Have Big Task of Finding Jeff Skinner Replacement

The Buffalo Sabres must find their Jeff Skinner replacement if they hope to take that next step.

The Buffalo Sabres made a massive decision earlier this offseason, buying out forward Jeff Skinner. When noting that Skinner was set to carry a $9 million cap hit for three more seasons with Buffalo, it was a tough but understandable move by GM Kevyn Adams. 

Shortly after being bought out, Skinner found his new home, signing a one-year, $3 million contract with the Edmonton Oilers. Overall, this has the potential to be a great landing spot for Skinner, as he will get the chance to play with superstars like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. 

While the Sabres made the understandable call to buy out Skinner, they now have a spot in their top six that needs to be filled. Adams did not land a guaranteed top-six winger this summer to replace Skinner, but the Sabres still have intriguing players who will compete for the significant role.

One clear name to watch is recent free-agent signing Jason Zucker. The 32-year-old has scored at least 20 goals five times in his career, with the 2022-23 campaign being the last time. During this past season, he had 14 goals and 32 points in 69 games split between the Arizona Coyotes and Nashville Predators.

Youngster Zach Benson has a real case to play top-six minutes as well. The 2023 first-round pick performed well as an 18-year-old at the NHL level in 2023-24, recording 11 goals and 30 points in 71 games. 

The Sabres also have some prospects to watch during the season, including Jiri Kulich and Isak Rosen. Both players should at least get some chances with the NHL squad in 2024-25. 

Nevertheless, it will be very interesting to see what the Sabres' top six looks like next season. There is a position to fight for at the 2LW spot. With JJ Peterka likely being the club's first-line left winger heading into next season, it will be interesting to see who is right below him in the lineup.