It came as no surprise when former Buffalo Sabres star Jeff Skinner opted to continue his hockey career in Europe this summer, signing with EHC Biel-Bienne in the Swiss National League, after he was unable to land an NHL contract ahead of the 2026-27 season.
Skinner always — well, aside from when he was coached by Ralph Krueger in Buffalo — looks like he's having the time of his life on the ice. Whether it's scoring goals, a dazzling play made possible by his figure skating background or getting under the skin of opponents, he's usually having fun.
His trademark wide-eyed grin has been back on display early in the new campaign with Biel. He's already racked up nine points (six goals and three assists) across seven appearances, having recently returned from an injury that sidelined him briefly.
Jeff Skinner se ve Švýcarsku představil dvěma góly! 🚨🇨🇦
— Vojtěch Tůma (@vojtechtuma7) September 16, 2026
Skinner si v závěru připsal také asistenci na vítězný gól Bielu. pic.twitter.com/0JWNYJ6k2w
It's great to see Skinner scoring again after his NHL production dipped across stints with the Edmonton Oilers and San Jose Sharks following his departure from the Sabres.
The Canadian winger, who's now 34, arrived to Buffalo as part of an August 2018 trade with the Carolina Hurricanes. The organization was looking for some offensive firepower to surround Jack Eichel, Sam Reinhart and Rasmus Dahlin. He delivered, scoring 40 goals in 2018-19.
Skinner ultimately played six years in Western New York. He recorded 291 points (153 goals and 138 helpers) across 427 appearances with the Blue and Gold.
Although the Canes' 2010 first-round pick's tenure with the Sabres ended on a low note — his contract buyout is still counting $6.4 million against the salary cap this season — he's remembered fondly as one of the most likable players from the drought era.
Maybe the franchise will bring him back to bang the KeyBank Center drum before a home game after his playing days come to an end.
Jeff Skinner aiming to earn another NHL opportunity
Skinner finds himself on a 40-goal pace for Biel during the initial stages of the National League season, illustrating he's still got his scoring touch around the net.
Although there's obviously a sizable gap between the NHL and Switzerland's top division, the 5-foot-11 winger is trying to prove he's still capable of making an offensive impact.
Last month, Skinner explained he wanted to make sure there was a chance to keep playing while waiting to see whether another NHL offer eventually arrives.
"Maybe something will come, maybe something won't," he told reporters. "For me, I think the opportunity to play, the opportunity to feel wanted as much as I was here, the opportunity to have fun playing is really what I was after. I'm excited to get the opportunity to do that here."
Even if that return stateside never materializes, he's put together a memorable career, highlighted by reaching the 30-goal plateau six times.
Maybe, just maybe, a monster year in Switzerland will be enough to earn him one more shot at an NHL roster spot next year, even if it means signing a PTO for training camp.
It likely won't happen in Buffalo since the Sabres are already dealing with an overcrowded group of forwards, but teams are always looking for a secondary scoring boost. Hitting 40 goals with Biel would show Skinner might have enough gas left in the tank.
For now, he's back having fun and scoring goals, a familiar combination for the Ontario native.
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