BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — Buffalo Sabres forward Jeff Skinner has agreed to waive his no-movement clause, freeing the team from having to protect him during the Seattle Kraken’s expansion draft next week.
Skinner’s agent, Don Meehan, confirmed his client’s decision in an email to The Associated Press on Wednesday. The Athletic first reported the player’s decision.
The Sabres initiated the move, knowing it’s unlikely Skinner will be selected by the Kraken given the under-performing winger has six years left on an eight-year, $72 million contract.
What the move does is allow Buffalo to keep an additional forward or defenseman upon submitting its protected list of players on Saturday.
All players with no-movement clauses are required to be protected,. Teams have the option to submit a protected list of either eight skaters and a goalie, or seven forwards, three defensemen and a goalie in advance of the draft on July 21.
