Jeff Skinner Waived: Sharks Part Ways With Veteran Star
The San Jose Sharks are officially parting ways with veteran winger Jeff Skinner, a move that signals a major shakeup in their roster. Skinner has been placed on unconditional waivers, which means if no team claims him, he will become an unrestricted free agent as soon as tomorrow. This marks yet another chapter in the 33-year-old’s winding NHL journey.
Skinner joined the Sharks this past summer on a one-year, $3 million deal, after a similar stint with the Edmonton Oilers. His season with San Jose never quite hit the mark. In 32 games, he tallied six goals and seven assists for a total of 13 points, while averaging the lowest ice time of his 16-year career at just over 12 minutes per game. The forward also posted a minus-eight rating, underscoring a season where he struggled to find consistent impact. His last appearance on the ice for the Sharks was back on January 11, before sitting out as a healthy scratch heading into the Olympic break.
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This isn’t the first time Skinner has been released before a contract’s natural end. The Buffalo Sabres bought out his contract after the 2023-24 season, ending a six-year tenure that included a lucrative eight-year, $72 million deal. Afterward, he found a fresh opportunity in Edmonton, scoring 16 goals and 29 points in 72 games, while making his first-ever playoff appearance, though his contributions were modest with just one goal and two points in five games.
Drafted seventh overall by the Carolina Hurricanes in 2010, Skinner’s career has been a testament to longevity and scoring skill. Over 1,110 NHL games, he has racked up 379 goals and 712 points. He’s a five-time 30-goal scorer and earned the Calder Trophy as rookie of the year in 2010-11 after scoring 31 goals and 63 points. His career-best came in Buffalo in 2018-19, hitting 40 goals, though the scoring pace has naturally slowed in recent seasons.
The significance of this move goes beyond one player leaving a team. For the Sharks, it frees up cap space and roster flexibility, allowing them to explore other options as they push toward the playoff stretch. For Skinner, it presents an opportunity to join a team where he can play a more prominent role or provide veteran leadership for a squad looking for scoring depth.
As the NHL landscape shifts rapidly, Skinner’s next destination will be closely watched. Will he land with a contender or take on a rebuilding team that needs experience upfront? Hockey fans around the world will be watching closely as this story unfolds. Stay tuned for updates as Skinner’s free agency officially begins and teams make their moves to bring the veteran winger into a new home.
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