'The salary-cap implications could cause issues for Botterill when he attempts to sign Sam Reinhart, Brandon Montour, Rasmus Dahlin and Casey Mittelstadt to long-term contracts, and will likely prevent the Sabres from being aggressive in the free-agent market, at least in the interim.' … [Read more...] about Jason Botterill, Sabres felt ‘very comfortable’ committing to Jeff Skinner
Archives for June 9, 2019
Jason Botterill's only option was to make a deal with Jeff Skinner
'The Sabres had to pay Skinner. And at $9 million per season for eight years, it's an overpay at least for now. Skinner can repay the team with some more 30- or even 40-goal seasons to make it look like a good investment, and the likely increases in the salary cap — which could be pushing past $90 million in the next three years or so — will make the investment less onerous on … [Read more...] about Jason Botterill’s only option was to make a deal with Jeff Skinner
Trades 'more realistic' option for Sabres to address needs
'The Sabres are less likely to be aggressive, though, since Skinner and Eichel will account for 22.5 percent of the projected $83 million salary cap for next season. Instead, the team is more likely to use draft picks and prospects to trade for a top-six forward, specifically a center, or help on the blue line, much like the pre-deadline deal that sent Brendan Guhle and a … [Read more...] about Trades ‘more realistic’ option for Sabres to address needs
Rewards of Jeff Skinner’s long-term contract outweigh risks for Sabres
'“Probably one of the next questions is going to be about giving an eight-year contract to a 27-year-old,” Botterill said of Skinner’s $72 million deal on a conference call Saturday, a day after awarding the hefty contract. “But there’s always going to be risk sometimes in doing that. But we feel very comfortable in how Jeff handles himself off the ice, how he’s dedicated to … [Read more...] about Rewards of Jeff Skinner’s long-term contract outweigh risks for Sabres
Sabres’ Skinner tells AP he welcomes higher expectations
'“But I think that any athlete has that pride and wants to work and help the team win,” he added. “I’m excited to be there and be a piece of the puzzle.”' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ Skinner tells AP he welcomes higher expectations
Sabres lock up All-Star winger Jeff Skinner with eight-year, $72 million extension
'Buffalo was the only team that could've offered Skinner an eight-year deal this offseason since they were his only club during the 2018-19 season, and while the former Hurricane standout's production waned in the final two months of his debut Sabres campaign, there is no denying his impact on the team's offense. Not only did Skinner post the most even-strength goals for a … [Read more...] about Sabres lock up All-Star winger Jeff Skinner with eight-year, $72 million extension
NHL trade rumors: Sabres contacted Wild about winger Jason Zucker
'The same report says Buffalo has "kicked tires" on Wild winger Jason Zucker, who is coming off of a 42-point season in Minnesota.' … [Read more...] about NHL trade rumors: Sabres contacted Wild about winger Jason Zucker
Why spending big bucks to keep Jeff Skinner was worth it for the Sabres
'And further to that point, Skinner’s $9-million cap hit doesn’t stand to put Buffalo in a bind anytime soon. At present, the Sabres have an additional $28-million set to come off the books ahead of next season, and while a few players – Reinhart, Casey Mittelstadt and Brandon Montour – will need extensions next summer, there’s more than enough money to go around.' … [Read more...] about Why spending big bucks to keep Jeff Skinner was worth it for the Sabres
Sabres' Botterill never wavered in his belief that Skinner would remain a Sabre
'“The other element that gave us comfort in going to a deal with Jeff, is just how we fit in with our group. I thought he was a great influence on our young players. The relationship with some of our elite players such as Jack and Sam, but going out of his way to have an impact on Rasmus Dahlin, Casey Mittelstadt and just his professionalism off the ice.”' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ Botterill never wavered in his belief that Skinner would remain a Sabre
The Skinner Bet
'The numbers and stats smart guys seem to like this deal. There’s always some sticker shock when shelling out that kind of cash and cap space, but it just goes as the price to play poker. I don’t worry too much about these big deals. If Skinner continues to produce at the same level he has to this point in his career, then the Sabres will be fine. If he gives them that rate … [Read more...] about The Skinner Bet
Skinner signing first part of Sabres' plan to end playoff drought
'"We have to continue to improve in a lot of facets," Botterill said. "I think the easiest one, and what we've talked a lot about is, continuing to try to add more scoring to our group, especially up front, and that's why getting Jeff signed was such a big deal for us. We want to focus on adding to that group, not replacing it."' … [Read more...] about Skinner signing first part of Sabres’ plan to end playoff drought
Botterill discusses Skinner contract, offseason goals
'"I think big picture, he came in and he scored goals," he said. "It's pretty much what the game's about, is scoring goals, and it's something that we struggled with. We understand that Jeff's goal total will probably fluctuate over his time in Buffalo.' … [Read more...] about Botterill discusses Skinner contract, offseason goals
Jeff Skinner's open letter to Sabres fans
'I've said it before, but as a visiting player, I never truly understood what the Sabres meant to the community of Buffalo. It's something I had to learn as last season went on.' … [Read more...] about Jeff Skinner’s open letter to Sabres fans