Bruins Eyeing Jeff Skinner as Scoring Boost

Veteran winger could provide secondary scoring punch to Boston's offense

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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The Boston Bruins are exploring the possibility of adding veteran winger Jeff Skinner to their roster, as they look to bolster their offensive production and climb the standings in the competitive Atlantic Division. Skinner, a former Calder Trophy winner, has shown the ability to be a consistent goal-scorer throughout his NHL career and could provide the secondary scoring threat the Bruins need to support their top stars.

Why it matters

The Bruins currently sit fifth in the Atlantic Division, trailing teams like the Buffalo Sabres and Detroit Red Wings. Adding a proven scorer like Skinner could help the Bruins regain momentum and solidify their playoff positioning, as they aim to return to their former dominance in the Eastern Conference.

The details

Skinner, a 35-goal scorer just two seasons ago, has bounced around the league in recent years, playing for teams like the Hurricanes, Sabres, Oilers, and Sharks. Despite his recent struggles, the Bruins believe Skinner's offensive instincts and shot-making ability could thrive in their top-six forward group, particularly if paired with skilled playmakers like Pavel Zacha or Elias Lindholm. The Bruins' limited salary cap space means they would likely pursue Skinner on a low-risk, league-minimum 'prove-it' contract, allowing them to add his scoring talent without compromising their budget.

  • The Bruins currently hold a 32-20-5 record, good for fifth place in the Atlantic Division.
  • Skinner last played a full NHL season in 2022-23, scoring 35 goals and 82 points for the Buffalo Sabres.

The players

Jeff Skinner

A veteran winger who has demonstrated the ability to be a consistent goal-scorer throughout his NHL career, including a 63-point rookie season that earned him the Calder Trophy in 2011.

Marco Sturm

The current head coach of the Boston Bruins.

Don Sweeney

The general manager of the Boston Bruins, known for his careful salary management.

David Pastrnak

A star forward for the Boston Bruins.

Morgan Geekie

A key forward for the Boston Bruins.

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What’s next

The Bruins will need to determine if Skinner is the right fit for their roster and if they can sign him to a contract that fits within their salary cap constraints.

The takeaway

Adding a proven scorer like Jeff Skinner could provide the Bruins with the secondary offensive boost they need to climb the standings and solidify their playoff positioning, but the team will need to carefully evaluate the risks and benefits of such a move as they navigate a period of retooling.