Justine Willard-Imagn Images

Sharks Place Jeff Skinner on Waivers to Terminate Contract

Originally posted on NHL Trade Talk | Last updated Feb 16, 2026 2:51 PM ET

The San Jose Sharks have placed forward Jeff Skinner on waivers for the purpose of terminating his contract. NHL insider Elliotte Friedman was the first to report.

The Sharks signed Skinner to a one-year contract this past summer at $3 million per season. He’s not been terribly effective. The 33-year-old has six goals and 13 points in 32 games. He had been a healthy scratch the last 10 games, and hasn’t played since Jan 11.

Skinner spent last season with the Edmonton Oilers. He was signed there to help provide depth scoring, but much like in San Jose, wasn’t used regularly and wound up losing his spot to other, younger players.

He was averaging 12:21 of ice time per game with a -8 rating. And, with the acquisition of Kiefer Sherwood, the writing was on the wall. At the end of January, San Jose Sharks beat writer Curtis Pashelka wrote, “Veteran winger Jeff Skinner is facing some uncertainty with the Sharks getting healthy, as both Shakir Mukhamadullin and Kiefer Sherwood are close to a return. The Sharks only have one roster spot available at the moment.” In other words, Skinner could be the odd man out in San Jose, and a trade could be imminent.

It seems evident that the Sharks were unable to find a trade partner and this became the most logical next step.

More to come.

This article first appeared on NHL Trade Talk and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: