Sharks Release Jeff Skinner, Former Calder Trophy Winner | NHL News
- The San Jose Sharks have placed veteran forward Jeff Skinner on unconditional waivers for the purpose of contract termination, effectively ending his brief tenure with the team.
- According to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, Skinner will now pass through waivers and become a free agent, eligible to sign a veteran’s minimum contract with any team.
- This season, the 33-year-old Skinner appeared in 32 games for the Sharks, registering six goals and seven assists.
Sharks Part Ways with Veteran Forward Jeff Skinner
The San Jose Sharks have placed veteran forward Jeff Skinner on unconditional waivers for the purpose of contract termination, effectively ending his brief tenure with the team. The move, announced Monday, comes as the Sharks prepare for players to return from the 2026 Winter Olympics.
According to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, Skinner will now pass through waivers and become a free agent, eligible to sign a veteran’s minimum contract with any team. The decision appears to be mutually agreeable, as Skinner hadn’t seen game action since January 11th.
This season, the 33-year-old Skinner appeared in 32 games for the Sharks, registering six goals and seven assists. While his offensive production has diminished from his peak years, he still possesses a scoring touch that could be valuable to a contending team.
Skinner’s NHL career has spanned multiple franchises, including the Carolina Hurricanes, Buffalo Sabres, Edmonton Oilers, and now the Sharks. He initially burst onto the scene with Carolina, winning the Calder Trophy as the league’s rookie of the year in 2011.
The forward has amassed an impressive career total of 379 goals and 333 assists in 1,110 NHL games. Last season with the Oilers, Skinner demonstrated he could still contribute offensively, scoring 16 goals and adding 13 assists in 72 games, and adding two points in five playoff games.
The Sharks signed Skinner to a one-year, $3 million contract last July, hoping he could provide offensive support and mentorship to their younger players. However, he struggled to find a consistent role in the lineup, becoming a healthy scratch for the ten games leading up to the Olympic break.
San Jose General Manager Mike Grier, when initially signing Skinner, highlighted his hockey IQ and scoring instincts. “The scouts said he still has the quickness in his game and the smarts and the competitiveness and knows where to go to score and is still hungry to score,” Grier said at the time.
Despite not fitting into the Sharks’ long-term plans, Skinner’s experience and scoring ability are expected to attract interest from teams seeking a veteran presence. Several contenders may view him as a valuable addition for a playoff push, believing he still has something to offer.