Sharks Terminate Veteran Forward's Contract During Olympic Break

San Jose places Jeff Skinner on unconditional waivers, ending his one-year deal with the team.

Feb. 17, 2026 at 7:47am

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The San Jose Sharks have terminated the contract of veteran forward Jeff Skinner, placing him on unconditional waivers on Monday. Skinner, 33, signed a one-year, $3 million deal with the Sharks last July but has struggled this season, recording just 6 goals and 13 points in 32 games. He has not played since January 11th and was a healthy scratch for 10 straight contests.

Why it matters

The Sharks are looking to build around younger talent as they emerge from a rebuild, and Skinner's lack of production and playing time made him expendable. San Jose's improved depth and development of young stars like Macklin Celebrini, Michael Misa, and William Eklund contributed to the decision to part ways with the veteran forward.

The details

Skinner, who had a full no-move clause that became an eight-team trade list on January 31st, will now become an unrestricted free agent. The Sharks were unable to trade him during the NHL's Olympic roster freeze. Skinner had never played in the Stanley Cup Playoffs until joining the Edmonton Oilers last season, where he appeared in 5 postseason games.

  • Skinner was placed on unconditional waivers for contract termination on February 16, 2026.
  • Skinner last played for the Sharks on January 11, 2026, before being made a healthy scratch for 10 straight games.

The players

Jeff Skinner

A 33-year-old veteran forward who signed a one-year, $3 million contract with the San Jose Sharks last July but struggled this season, recording just 6 goals and 13 points in 32 games.

Ryan Warsofsky

The head coach of the San Jose Sharks who made Skinner a healthy scratch for 10 straight games before the team terminated his contract.

Macklin Celebrini

A young star forward for the Sharks who has emerged as an NHL superstar and is currently playing for Team Canada at the Olympics.

Michael Misa

A young Sharks forward who has been thrust into top-six duties this season as the team's depth has improved.

William Eklund

A young Sharks forward who has contributed 35 points in 51 games this season as the team's roster has gotten stronger.

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What they’re saying

“I, for sure, think that I have a lot left in the tank. I think I'm excited to start a new challenge. I think there's some extra juice and extra energy that comes along with that and I think for sure I've got a lot left.”

— Jeff Skinner (clutchpoints.com)

What’s next

It will be interesting to see where the former 40-goal scorer Skinner ends up as he aims to capture an elusive Stanley Cup championship this spring.

The takeaway

The Sharks' decision to terminate Skinner's contract highlights their commitment to building around younger talent as they emerge from a rebuild, with players like Celebrini, Misa, and Eklund leading the way for a vastly improved roster in San Jose.