Sharks Stun NHL: Jeff Skinner Hits Waivers, Contract Termination Looms

San Jose, CA – In a surprise roster shake-up just two weeks before the 2026 NHL trade deadline, the San Jose Sharks have placed veteran winger Jeff Skinner on unconditional waivers with the intent to terminate his one-year, $3 million contract. If he clears waivers at 2 p.m. ET Tuesday, the 33-year-old will become an unrestricted free agent, instantly adding an experienced goal-scorer to the open market. Why the sudden split? • Production dip: Skinner has six goals and 13 points in 32 games after missing most of November with a lower-body injury. • Cap flexibility: San Jose gains $3 million in space in case GM Mike Grier wants to weaponize cash at the deadline. • Player control: Skinner waived his no-movement clause last summer to sign in California; a clean termination now lets him pick a contender without Sharks retention complications. From Calder to crossroads The 2011 Calder Trophy winner built a reputation as one of the NHL’s purest finishers, topping 30 goals in six separate seasons with Carolina and Buffalo. Yet after the Sabres bought out his $72 million mega-deal in 2024, short stops in Edmonton and San Jose failed to revive his elite touch. He still owns 363 career goals—more than any pending free agent expected to hit the market this spring—making him a low-risk, high-upside rental for playoff hopefuls desperate for secondary scoring. Potential landing spots 1. Buffalo Sabres – a reunion is plausible; the Sabres need a power-play shooter and have ample cap room. 2. Edmonton Oilers – familiar with his game and seeking wing depth for Connor McDavid’s Olympic-year push. 3. Colorado Avalanche – could slot next to second-line center Alex Newhook if captain Gabriel Landeskog remains out. 4. New Jersey Devils – among the league’s lowest five-on-five shooting percentages; Skinner’s quick release fits the need. What happens next • If claimed Monday: the new club assumes the full $3 million cap hit but avoids bidding wars. • If unclaimed Tuesday: Skinner can sign for league minimum, allowing contenders to squeeze him under the ceiling. • Showcase window: Because he’s healthy, Skinner could ink a deal and play up to 10 games before the March 1 deadline, giving GMs real-time evidence of form and fitness. Bottom line Jeff Skinner’s contract termination transforms an otherwise quiet February news cycle, creating an unexpected headline for “Jeff Skinner waiver” and “Jeff Skinner free agent” searches. Whichever franchise gambles on the Ontario sniper could discover a motivated veteran capable of a late-season scoring burst—and that storyline is guaranteed to keep hockey fans refreshing their feeds until his next jersey is revealed.