Sharks Release Former Calder Trophy Winner Jeff Skinner

The veteran forward's brief tenure with the team has come to an end as the Sharks prepare for the return of players from the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Feb. 18, 2026 at 7:47am

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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 33-year-old Skinner, who won the Calder Trophy as the NHL's rookie of the year in 2011, will now pass through waivers and become a free agent eligible to sign a veteran's minimum contract with any team.

Why it matters

Skinner's release comes as the Sharks prepare for players to return from the 2026 Winter Olympics, signaling a shift in the team's roster and priorities. While Skinner's offensive production has diminished from his peak years, his scoring touch and veteran experience could still be valuable to a contending team seeking to bolster their lineup for a playoff push.

The details

This season, Skinner appeared in 32 games for the Sharks, registering six goals and seven assists. He struggled to find a consistent role in the lineup, becoming a healthy scratch for the ten games leading up to the Olympic break. 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, but the move did not pan out as expected.

  • On Monday, the Sharks announced they have placed Skinner on unconditional waivers for the purpose of contract termination.
  • Skinner had not seen game action since January 11th.

The players

Jeff Skinner

A 33-year-old veteran forward who won the Calder Trophy as the NHL's rookie of the year in 2011. Skinner has played for multiple franchises, including the Carolina Hurricanes, Buffalo Sabres, Edmonton Oilers, and most recently the San Jose Sharks.

Mike Grier

The San Jose Sharks' General Manager, who highlighted Skinner's hockey IQ and scoring instincts when initially signing him to a one-year contract last July.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Mike Grier, San Jose Sharks General Manager (newsdirectory3.com)

What’s next

Skinner will now pass through waivers and become a free agent, eligible to sign a veteran's minimum contract with any team. Several contenders may view him as a valuable addition for a playoff push, believing he still has something to offer.

The takeaway

Skinner's release highlights the Sharks' roster changes as they prepare for the return of players from the 2026 Winter Olympics. While Skinner's offensive production has declined, his veteran experience and scoring touch could still be an asset for a contending team seeking to bolster their lineup for a playoff run.