BUFFALO, N.Y. — Sabres forward Jeff Skinner says he won’t rush his decision on whether to re-sign with Buffalo or pursue free agency after his career-best 40-goal-season.
The Sabres acquired Skinner in a trade with Carolina in August. He says that although he loves playing in Buffalo, he wants time to make a decision on returning.
Skinner spoke Monday as Sabres players cleaned out their lockers two days after closing a season in which Buffalo finished 27th in the overall standings and missed the playoffs for an eighth consecutive season.
He completed the final year of his contract and is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent in July. The ninth-year player finished third on the team with a career-tying-high 63 points in 82 games.
General manager Jason Botterill said Sunday that negotiations continue.