Jeff Skinner is one of the older skaters on the Buffalo Sabres and he could be in line to snag one of the two alternate captain roles with the franchise.
Left-winger Jeff Skinner is just 30 years old. But on a young Buffalo Sabres team, he is one of the franchise elders who has seen a less-than-ideal career spring up. Since his first full NHL season in 2010-11, Skinner has never appeared in a playoff game. He has, however, enjoyed a few career honors, such as playing in two NHL All-Star Games, winning the Calder Trophy, and earning a spot on the All-Rookie Team.
And now, Skinner is proud to assume a leadership role on and off the ice with the likes of goaltender Craig Anderson and winger Kyle Okposo, among others. Yet, unlike Okposo and Anderson, Skinner figures to remain in Buffalo for the next half-decade, as his contract runs through 2026-27.
Jeff Skinner can assume a leadership, and even status as an alternate captain, for the Buffalo Sabres in 2022-23.
One of Skinner’s prevailing attributes involves rising up to and conquering adversity. In June 2019, Skinner signed an eight-year contract extension worth $72 million following a season in which he scored 40 goals and 63 points. The next two seasons, however, he fell flat on his face, finding twine just 21 times.
However, he returned to his former self last season, again recording 63 points, 33 goals, and 30 assists. He also formed outstanding chemistry with center Tage Thompson and right-winger Alex Tuch. Thompson worked his way from obscurity and onto the top scoring line while Tuch came over in the Jack Eichel trade with the Vegas Golden Knights.
Together, the trio formed a dynamic scoring line the Sabres lacked in recent years, even with faces like Eichel manning the line in the past. Now with a year of experience under their belts, expect more scoring output from Skinner and company.
Overall, Skinner has seen adversity throughout his career, as he enters his 13th season while still searching for that first playoff appearance. He has risen from adversity, and he has also proven he can pair well with anyone on the Buffalo Sabres roster. I have listed Jeff Skinner as a possible alternate captain in previous articles, so it would not surprise me if he earned the honor.
Article Source: SKINNER EMBRACING LEADERSHIP ROLE WITHIN UP-AND-COMING ROSTER by Chris Lomon.
(Statistics provided by Hockey-Reference)