Total Season Stats: 82 GP | 40 G | 23 A | 63 PTS
Age: 26
Contract Status: Unrestricted Free Agent
From the moment the Buffalo Sabres acquired Jeff Skinner, expectations were sky high both from a team and a personal perspective.
First, from a personal perspective – Skinner came into this season staring unrestricted free agency in the face for the first time in his young NHL career.
On a team level – the Buffalo Sabres had been looking for a left winger to pair with Jack Eichel.
At the end of the season, we clearly know that the acquisition of Jeff Skinner worked for all sides involved.
For the first time in his NHL career, Skinner hit the 40 goal plateau. While the 40 goals might come as a surprise, the surplus of goals should not be.
Skinner came into this season averaging 25 goals per season, which means he added 15 goals for good measure – we’ll call it the Eichel Effect™.
Furthermore, Skinner’s 63 points tie his career-high – which he did in 2010-11 and 2016-17 with the Carolina Hurricanes.
While lines found themselves shuffled throughout the Sabres noted struggles, Skinner / Eichel mostly remained a constant.
As noted by the chart above – if it isn’t broke, don’t fix it.
General Manager Jason Botterill needs to do whatever he can to keep Jeff Skinner in the fold for years to come, with hopes that Skinner can be part of the long-term solution.
Season Grade: A+
What grade would you give Jeff Skinner?
| A | 410 |
| B | 127 |
| C | 7 |
| D | 1 |
| F | 3 |