Breaking point for the Sabres and Skinner close
- 8:43 PM – Bob McKenzie: The Buffalo Sabres and Jeff Skinner are closing in on an eight-year contract extension at around $9 million a season.
WGR 550: Darren Dreger this morning on contract talks between the Sabres and Skinner: “It feels like it’s reaching a breaking point, which could come in the next day or two. Skinner has made it clear that he has a number in mind, which is around $9 million-plus per-year.”
WGR 550: Dreger continued: “Maybe Jason Botterill is drawing a line in the sand or calling his bluff a bit. It’s going to be interesting. I want to say it’s leaning towards Buffalo getting a deal done, but I’m not so sure.”
WGR 550: Dreger adds that the extra year that the Sabres are able to offer 100 percent matters in negotiations, and that is what the Sabres are believing. sense is that negotiations are over and that it is up to Skinner if he wants to re-sign or go to free agency.
Adam Benigni: Jeff Skinner’s agent Don Meehan wouldn’t comment on talks with the Sabres.
On Wednesday Sabres GM Jason Botterill was optimistic.
Yzerman on free agency and Kronwall
Mike Zeisberger of NHL.com: Detroit Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman on if they are planning on making a big splash in free agency.
“I’ve never used free agency to make a splash. I like when people use that term. I’m not trying to make a big splash, I’m trying to build a good team. And I don’t think you can build a team through free agency. But collectively and selectively, you can improve your team.”
Yzerman on if he’s heard anything regarding Niklas Kronwall retiring or playing another season.
“He’s going to take some time. We’ll get a decision from him one way or the other. I’m in no rush. I’m not putting any pressure on him or feel the need to put undue pressure on him. Take all the time that you want and make a decision. We’re prepared. At this time, we can plan moving forward with him and without him. Free agency starts July 1, and I don’t know if free agency even has an impact on whether he stays or not. We still have got to do what we’ve got to do.”