Jeff Skinner Has Been Reborn

There’s no secret that Buffalo Sabres forward Jeff Skinner has had a rough go before this season. When he got traded to the Sabres in 2018, he scored 40 goals and was set to be a free agent. After that season, Skinner got an 8 year, $72 million contract. The following two years, Skinner struggled and it set off a debate whether or not the Sabres overpaid him. Say what you want to say about Skinner and the contract but you can’t deny Jeff is having a good season this year.

Jeff’s Success is Attributed to…

A huge reason why Skinner is playing so good, he’s playing for a coach who actually knows what he is doing. Sabres head coach Don Granato was brought in during last season after former head coach Ralph Krueger was fired. Ever since Granato took over, Buffalo has looked much better and so has Jeff. Don’t believe me? Look at the tweet below.

Jeff skinner with Ralph Krueger as HC had 16 goals in 84 games.
Skinner has 25 goals in 73 games with Don Granato.

— Howard WGR (@hsimon62) February 13, 2022

See what happens when you have a coach who knows how to actually coach an NHL team and knows how to utilize his talent? When Krueger was the coach, he would bench Skinner or have him on the 4th line with players who aren’t known for scoring. With Granato, Skinner is on the first line with talented players such as Tage Thompson and Alex Tuch.

Ok Jeff 🔥 pic.twitter.com/t6ncpLrZGI

— Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) February 14, 2022

Lastly…

Jeff has 20 goals to this point of the season and he is on pace for 36 goals. Recently, he scored 4 goals against the Montreal Canadiens. Yes, I know it was against the last place team but it’s good to see him have success. I did predict him to have a breakout season this year and he has not disappointed. I am so happy he’s having a good season because people were writing him off and saying the Sabres should move on with him. When he’s with talent then he can be a good player and I hope he’s part of the turnaround for the franchise going forward.

(Featured image credit to Puck Prose).

-Zach Jezioro (@ZachJ13_ on Twitter)