Buffalo Sabres News: Jeff Skinner, Nicolas Aube-Kubel, new staff hires

The Buffalo Sabres put together one of the most memorable turnaround years in NHL history last season, ultimately reaching the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs, but soon the records will reset to 0-0-0 and the postseason chase will begin anew.

It's been a mostly quiet summer for Buffalo, at least in terms of roster additions. There were a few notable departures in the likes of Alex Tuch and Bowen Byram. So far, it appears Buffalo general manager Jarmo Kekalainen appears confident they can be replaced without a blockbuster acquisition.

Although there's still time for a headline-making deal before training camp opens next month, the current Sabres-related news is of the more modest variety.

Jeff Skinner joins EHC Biel-Bienne in Switzerland

Skinner, whose contract was bought out by the Sabres in 2024 and still counts $6.4 million against the salary cap in 2026-27, is heading to the Swiss National League after failing to land a new NHL deal.

EHC Biel-Bienne announced the one-year signing on Friday:

Skinner most recently played for the San Jose Sharks. He recorded 13 points (six goals and seven assists) in 32 appearances before his contract was terminated in February.

The 34-year-old Canadian winger enjoyed his most prolific seasons in Buffalo. He posted a career-high 40 goals in 2018-19, his first campaign with the franchise after arriving in a trade from the Carolina Hurricanes, and a career-best 82 points in 2022-23.

Skinner always looked like a player who genuinely loved the opportunity to play hockey, so it's not a surprise he's opted to continue his career in Europe rather than retire.

A highly productive year with Biel-Bienne could earn him another NHL look next offseason.

Nicolas Aube-Kubel nearing deal with KHL's HC Dinamo Minsk

Another former Sabres forward is close to finalizing a move overseas, too. Aube-Kubel, who spent part of the 2024-25 campaign with the Blue and Gold, is likely heading for the KHL.

"Hearing he is close to signing with Dinamo Minsk," Jeremy Garrett of Hockey News Hub reported Friday.

Aube-Kubel signed with Buffalo as a free agent in 2024 after prior stops with the Philadelphia Flyers, Colorado Avalanche, Toronto Maple Leafs and Washington Capitals. The Sabres dealt him to the New York Rangers at the 2025 NHL deadline.

He spent the 2025-26 season in the Minnesota Wild organization, playing most of his games with the AHL's Iowa Wild, tallying 37 points in 62 games.

Aube-Kubel made just 19 appearances during his time with the Sabres.

Sabres announce staff additions for new season; EBUG

Buffalo added several people to its staff on Friday. Perhaps the most notable is Jack McNaughton, who will serve as the club's emergency backup goaltender in addition to a goalie scout. The NHL will require all teams to have a full-time EBUG for the first time in 2026-27.

Of course, the Sabres are on track to use a three-goalie rotation again next season with Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, Alex Lyon and Colten Ellis, which should lessen the need for possible EBUG usage.

Here's the complete list of hires:

In addition, Buffalo announced two promotions within its analytics team: Matt Barlowe becomes the manager of hockey systems, while Domenic Galamini Jr. is now the manager of hockey research and development.

The Sabres are scheduled to open the new campaign Oct. 1 when they visit Nationwide Arena for a clash with the Columbus Blue Jackets.

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