Buffalo Sabres: Where does Jeff Skinner stand in the lineup?

Buffalo Sabres left-winger Jeff Skinner has made his presence known in what has been a comeback season for the first-liner. 

Jeff Skinner has been a revelation for the Buffalo Sabres in 2021-22. However, Skinner, along with fellow forward Kyle Okposo, is one of the elder statesmen at forward. He will turn 30 by the beginning of next season and there is a chance he relinquishes his spot on the top scoring line to a younger talent.

But let’s not get too far ahead of ourselves. Skinner is just one point away from tying his career high of 63 points, something he logged on three different occasions in his 12-year career. He will also open next season as a member of the first line. But, there are still a lot of what-ifs with Skinner.

Will Jeff Skinner remain on the top scoring line with the Buffalo Sabres next season?

To start off the season, Skinner will remain a first-liner, but it is a big maybe as to whether he keeps the gig. The Sabres have some talent down in the AHL that may pose a threat to Skinner’s spot and he would need to constantly outplay them to remain on the top line.

Before this season’s renaissance, Skinner also had two subpar years between October 2019 and May 2021. In 112 games between the two seasons, he recorded just 37 points. Any type of regression, especially with the Sabres figuring to contend in 2022-23, will warrant a demotion to one of the lower lines.

For the time being, we can peg Jeff Skinner to line up at his usual left-wing spot. But if he struggles early and often, don’t be surprised if an up-and-comer or even a current Sabre takes his place on the top line.

The Sabres have Skinner locked in until 2026-27. But as he ages and new talent emerges, it is very possible he ends up in a Kyle Okposo-like role on the lower lines. And as Okposo proved this season, Skinner may wind up there, just as effective as he is at left wing on the top line.

(Statistics provided by Hockey-Reference)