The Buffalo Sabres are going to have to decide if forward Jeff Skinner is worth keeping around. He scored his 20th goal of the season on Friday and he's been nothing short of fantastic since coming to the Sabres in a trade with the Carolina Hurricanes this past offseason. A forward with a history for scoring goals, his production this season has been off the charts and he's guaranteed to get paid in free agency. You wouldn't think based on his numbers, the choice would be a difficult one.
That said, while he's been scoring goals in bunches and he seems to like it in Buffalo, there are rumors Skinner is looking to hit a home run in NHL free agency — somewhere in the $9-$10 million per season range. That leaves the Sabres with a difficult decision. Is Skinner's production this season going to represent what he can do each and every season over the course of six, seven or eight years?
There are plenty of insiders around the NHL who don't think so.
Buyer Beware on Skinner
Yes, Jeff Skinner is having a tremendous year. He's second in the NHL standings for goals, in the top 30 for points and he's a big part of the reason the Sabres are right near the top of the NHL standings. But, his history also shows his production won’t be a true reflection of his value next year, or even as the season rolls along.
Bob McKenzie was on TSN 690 and said that while people are in awe of his production thus far, Skinner’s reputation in the league is that of a streaky scorer. He hasn't produced consistently, bouncing up and down in terms of his production each season. In 2017-18 for example, Skinner played all 82 games and scored 49 points. In 2014-15, he had only 31 points. He's got a knack for goal scoring, but whether he can consistently bring the offense every season is a real question. McKenzie added, "I think there’s been enough inconsistency in his career where there’s a little bit of buyer beware in terms of the really big numbers.”
Related: William Nylander & Leafs Rumor : Star Winger Will Be Traded At Draft Regardless Of If He Signs
No One Wanted Skinner This Past Offseason
It looks like a winner of a trade now, but when Skinner was acquired from the Hurricanes, it was only after a number of other teams passed.
Pierre LeBrun said during a spot on TSN 1040, the Hurricanes had been trying to trade Skinner as early as the 2018 NHL Entry Draft but teams had concerns about his health and inconsistency as did the Hurricanes. Such concerns are still an issue among NHL GM's and will play a factor as Skinner tries to maximize his value at the end of the season. No one is doubting Skinner will get paid if he keeps scoring, but many wonder if anyone will view him as a smart $9 million gamble knowing his past.
Related: Auston Matthews To Be Targeted With Offer Sheet [Rumor]
Skinner’s Scoring May Up The Chances of a Trade
It might seem odd to think it, but the more Skinner scores, the more there's a potential he's traded at the NHL deadline. Obviously, moving Skinner won't be an easy decision if the Sabres are in the postseason hunt, but his value will be at an all-time high. So high in fact, the Sabres may have a hard time passing on viable trade offers.
Darren Dreger was on TSN 1050 and said that between Skinner's $8.5-$10 million asking price and the fact this is a contract year for Skinner where he'll be sure to test the market, the combination of the kings ransom the Sabres may get in terms of draft picks from a playoff team and the organization's unwillingness to invest in him long term, the situation might be ideal to get the best return now.
What Would You Do?
If you had a scoring machine like Skinner, who was having the best season of his career and helping your team win, would you trade him knowing you could get an insanely good return on your investment? Or, would you keep him realizing that moving him means taking a good chunk of your offense out of the lineup for a playoff push?
This is the question the Sabres will have to ask themselves. So too, they'll need to be confident Skinner can do what he's doing this year again and again. If not, $9-$10 million is an awful lot of money for a player who's proven more to be a 50-60 point player, than an 80-90 point one.
Next: The Philadelphia Flyers Fire Ron Hextall, What This Means