The Buffalo Sabres and Skinner getting closer on a new contract
The Charging Buffalo: Bob McKenzie on Buffalo Sabres UFA winger Jeff Skinner: “There’s been dialogue all week long between Skinner’s reps and Jason Botterill. The sense is there’s “optimism” but not to the point where either side is entirely comfortable w/ the numbers they’re exchanging. Expects more dialogue tomorrow”
The Charging Buffalo: McKenzie continued: “Buffalo certainly wants him back and Skinner wants to come back. They have to get the final massaging of the numbers until both sides are happy.”
“It’s very close but it’s not done.”
WGR 550: McKenzie continued: “Sweet spot seems to be an eight-year deal between $8.5 million and $9.5 million AAV”
WGR 550: Scott Cullen on Jeff Skinner: “Both sides seem to want a deal. My proposed roster for the #Sabres included Skinner. If they don’t keep him, the only other winger that can produce like him is Artemi Panarin.”
Now would be the time to Ristolainen if they’re going too
WGR 550: Scott Cullen on Sabres defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen: ” If they trade him, it’s time now. There’s enough of a track-record. I have the #Sabres trading him to Winnipeg. Their surroundings would allow Ristolainen to get better results.
The Buffalo Sabres need to add more depth to help get back into the playoffs
Dan Rosen of NHL.com: (mailbag) The Buffalo Sabres will eventually make the playoffs but not sure when. They have some good pieces but they need to add more depth.
They are trying too, but it’s not always easy. Teams like the Boston Bruins and St. Louis Blues have built depth around their veteran players. The Sabres don’t have a veteran core.
Hard to see the Sabres making the playoffs next season unless GM Jason Botterill makes some major moves.
They are on to their 3rd coach in the past four seasons.