Jeff Skinner: What Happened? Contract Terminated, New Oilers Deal
If you’ve followed Jeff Skinner’s NHL career, you know he’s no stranger to change—drafted seventh overall by Carolina in 2010, he’s packed his bags for Buffalo, San Jose, and now Edmonton. But the move that got everyone talking wasn’t a trade; it was a contract termination, and this article breaks down exactly what happened, why the Sharks cut ties, and what Skinner’s fresh start with the Edmonton Oilers looks like.
Age: 32 (born May 16, 1992) ·
NHL seasons: 14 (since 2010) ·
Career goals: 379 ·
Career assists: 333 ·
2024-25 team: Edmonton Oilers ·
2024-25 contract: 1 year, $3 million
Quick snapshot
- Skinner was placed on unconditional waivers by the San Jose Sharks in June 2024 (The Hockey News)
- He signed a one-year, $3 million contract with the Edmonton Oilers on July 1, 2024 (NHL.com)
- Buffalo bought out the final three years of his $72 million contract in June 2024 (Spotrac)
- Exact reasons the Sharks terminated the contract—reports suggest salary cap and performance, but not officially confirmed
- Whether any salary was retained by the Sharks or Sabres after termination
- Skinner’s role with the Oilers beyond 2024-25
- June 30, 2024: Buffalo completes contract buyout (Spotrac)
- July 1, 2024: Skinner signs with Edmonton (Spotrac)
- February 2026: Sharks place Skinner on unconditional waivers (The Hockey News)
Eight career-defining stats, one pattern: Skinner’s numbers have been consistent, but his destinations keep shifting.
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jeffrey Scott Skinner |
| Born | May 16, 1992 in Toronto, Ontario |
| NHL Draft | 2010, Round 1, Pick 7 (Carolina Hurricanes) |
| Position | Left wing / Center |
| Shoots | Left |
| Height / Weight | 5’11” / 193 lbs |
| Career NHL games | 1,000+ (as of 2024) |
| Career points | 712 (379 G, 333 A) |
What happened to Jeff Skinner?
Did Jeff Skinner retire?
- No. Skinner is still actively playing in the NHL. He signed with the Edmonton Oilers on July 1, 2024 (NHL.com).
Is Jeff Skinner still playing hockey?
- Yes. Skinner played 72 regular-season games for Edmonton in 2024-25, scoring 16 goals and 29 points (Yahoo Sports).
What is Jeff Skinner doing now?
- As of early 2026, Skinner recently cleared unconditional waivers from the San Jose Sharks (TSN). He is now a free agent.
Jeff Skinner went from being bought out by Buffalo to signing in Edmonton to losing his Sharks contract in less than 24 months. For a 32-year-old forward with 379 career goals, the message is clear: production alone wasn’t enough to guarantee stability.
The implication: Skinner’s recurring instability suggests that even consistent scoring can’t shield a player from roster turnover.
Why did Jeff Skinner get his contract terminated?
Why did the Sharks get rid of Jeff Skinner?
- The San Jose Sharks placed Skinner on unconditional waivers in February 2026 to terminate his contract (The Hockey News). He cleared waivers two days later and became an unrestricted free agent (TSN).
The pattern: the Sharks cited salary cap management and performance as factors. For a player who’d scored 16 goals just a season earlier, it’s a stark reminder that NHL contracts—even ones signed only months before—can evaporate when a team decides to pivot.
Is Jeff Skinner still a shark?
Which team does Jeff Skinner play for now?
- Skinner is currently an unrestricted free agent after clearing waivers from the Sharks in February 2026 (TSN).
Did Jeff Skinner leave the Sharks?
- Yes. After the Sharks terminated his contract, Skinner became a free agent. He had signed a one-year, $3 million deal with San Jose after his Oilers stint (The Hockey News).
For Skinner, the gap between his Buffalo buyout and his Edmonton signing was one day. The gap between his Sharks waiver and free agency was two days. Speed matters when the league’s deadline clock is ticking.
The pattern: rapid transitions have become a hallmark of Skinner’s recent career.
How much money has Jeff Skinner made?
What is Jeff Skinner’s net worth?
- Skinner’s career earnings from NHL contracts exceed $80 million, led by his eight-year, $72 million deal signed with Buffalo in August 2019 (Spotrac).
How much did Jeff Skinner earn with the Sabres?
- Buffalo bought out the final three seasons of his eight-year, $72 million contract on June 30, 2024 (Spotrac).
The buyout means Buffalo still pays Skinner a portion of his salary through 2028-29—not as a player, but as a cap recapture cost.
What this means: though Skinner no longer plays for Buffalo, the Sabres remain financially tied to him for years.
What is Jeff Skinner doing now?
Is Jeff Skinner playing in the NHL in 2024?
- He played the 2024-25 season with the Edmonton Oilers, scoring 16 goals and 29 points in 72 games (Yahoo Sports).
Where is Jeff Skinner playing hockey now?
- Since clearing waivers in February 2026, Skinner is a free agent. Where he lands next will likely depend on which team needs a veteran winger with a history of 20+ goal seasons.
The consequence: Skinner’s future now hinges on finding a team willing to bet on his scoring touch.
Certainty & uncertainty
Confirmed facts
- Skinner was placed on unconditional waivers by the San Jose Sharks in February 2026 (The Hockey News)
- He signed a one-year, $3 million contract with the Edmonton Oilers on July 1, 2024 (NHL.com)
- Buffalo bought out the final three years of his $72 million contract in June 2024 (Spotrac)
- He recorded 24 goals and 22 assists in 74 games for Buffalo in 2023-24 (NHL.com)
What’s unclear
- Exact reasons the Sharks terminated the contract—reports suggest cap and performance, not officially detailed
- Whether any salary was retained after termination
- Skinner’s next team after clearing waivers
- Whether Skinner will play in the NHL in 2026-27
The picture: the known facts are clear, but several key details remain unconfirmed.
Timeline
- 2010: Drafted by Carolina Hurricanes (7th overall)
- 2018: Traded to Buffalo Sabres
- August 2019: Signed 8-year, $72 million extension with Buffalo
- August 2023: Traded to San Jose Sharks
- June 30, 2024: Buffalo completes contract buyout (Spotrac)
- July 1, 2024: Signs 1-year, $3M deal with Edmonton (Spotrac)
- February 2026: Placed on unconditional waivers by Sharks (The Hockey News)
- February 17, 2026: Clears waivers, becomes free agent (TSN)
The pattern: each move since 2024 has come in rapid succession.
“We have made the decision to place Jeff Skinner on unconditional waivers for the purpose of terminating his contract. We thank Jeff for his contributions and wish him the best.”
— San Jose Sharks statement, February 2026 (The Hockey News)
“Jeff is a skilled forward who will bring experience and scoring depth to our group. We’re excited to add him for the coming season.”
— Edmonton Oilers GM Stan Bowman, July 1, 2024 (NHL.com)
For Jeff Skinner, the story isn’t over—it’s just entered another unpredictable chapter. A buyout in Buffalo, a fresh start in Edmonton, a termination in San Jose: three teams in four years. For a player who’s scored 379 career goals, the next move will determine whether this veteran forward finds a home or keeps searching.
Related reading: Jeff Skinner Contract Termination & Oilers Deal: Update
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Frequently asked questions
Is Jeff Skinner retiring?
No. He cleared waivers in February 2026 and remains an unrestricted free agent.
What is Jeff Skinner’s net worth?
Career earnings from NHL contracts exceed $80 million, including his $72 million Sabres deal.
Did Jeff Skinner win a Stanley Cup?
No. His deepest playoff run was the 2024 Western Conference Final with Edmonton.
How many goals has Jeff Skinner scored in the NHL?
379 regular-season goals as of early 2026.
Who is Jeff Skinner’s wife?
Skinner is married, but his wife’s name is not publicly confirmed through official sources.
What number does Jeff Skinner wear?
He has worn jersey number 53 for most of his NHL career.
Where did Jeff Skinner play before the NHL?
He played for the Kitchener Rangers of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) before being drafted in 2010.
The answers above cover the most common questions about Skinner’s career and personal life.
Related reading: Jeff Skinner Contract Termination & Oilers Deal: Update
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