Sabres Buy Out Skinner, Who Joins Oilers

The Buffalo Sabres have bought out the remaining three seasons of Jeff Skinner's eight-year, $72 million contract, making him a free agent and providing the team with $7.5 million in immediate cap relief. This move allows the Sabres to enter the free agency market with over $30 million in cap space, signaling their intent to be active in offseason acquisitions. Skinner, who scored 24 goals and 46 points last season, had inconsistent performance during his tenure with the Sabres but remains a notable offensive player. Following the buyout, Skinner signed a one-year, $3 million contract with the Edmonton Oilers. The Oilers also signed forward Viktor Arvidsson to a two-year, $8 million contract, bolstering their offensive lineup with both acquisitions. Skinner holds the record for most NHL games played without a playoff appearance, and his new role with Edmonton may offer a fresh opportunity for postseason contention.