The buyout window opens on Thursday and lasts only four days, so NHL GM’s will have less time to be strategic in trying to trade the players they are considering buyouts for.

It has already been reported by Sportsnet’s Jeff Marek that the Dallas Stars will be buying out the final year of veteran Ryan Suter’s deal, and it has been widely speculated that the Buffalo Sabres will be doing the same with winger Jeff Skinner.

Although there will be a lot of clubs looking to sign both to short-term deals looking for a bargain (like Matt Duchene ended up being in Dallas), each could be headed to familiar destination. Suter signed with Minnesota after a long stint in Nashville. Old head coach Barry Trotz is now the GM and the Preds are reportedly looking for a veteran blueliner after trading Ryan McDonagh back to Tampa.

Skinner, who showed some slippage last season but is still effective at 32 years old, will get a sizable payday in the buyout from the Sabres. There has long been rumors about his interest in playing in hometown Toronto. If the Leafs follow through on a Mitch Marner trade, it is possible that they go after Skinner as a short-term stop gap.


More to come

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