Skinner, who won the Calder Trophy in 2011, should now be targeted in the 91-100 fantasy range among wings Max Pacioretty (potential 2019 UFA) of the Montreal Canadiens, James van Riemsdyk of the Philadelphia Flyers and Mike Hoffman of the Florida Panthers. Each of them has 30-goal potential but also varying levels of team or lineup security, while Skinner is likely to play alongside Eichel.
Eichel, ranked 13th among fantasy centers by NHL.com, was projected to play with wing Conor Sheary (acquired by Sabres on June 27) prior to the Skinner trade, but now has a high-end goal-scorer on his line again (Evander Kane last season). Eichel will move up into the top 30 overall, but there's not much room for upward movement among centers (Evgeny Kuznetsov, Anze Kopitar, Mark Scheifele, Patrice Bergeron ranked ahead of Eichel by NHL.com).
The addition of Skinner will likely improve the Sabres power play, which finished 20th in the NHL last season at 19.1 percent but was the top ranked unit in 2016-17 (24.5 percent). The boost to Eichel and Skinner could also carry over to breakout candidate Sam Reinhart, who's likely to play with them at even strength and on the first power play. Sabres defensemen Rasmus Ristolainen and Rasmus Dahlin (No. 1 pick in 2018 NHL Draft) also stand to benefit from similar exposure, providing sleeper goaltender Carter Hutton with additional security.
Prior to the Skinner trade, Buffalo had arguably the worst left wing depth in the NHL (traded Kane to the San Jose Sharks on Feb. 26), but with Skinner, the Sabres have a vastly improved top-six forward outlook.
Projection:82 games played, 34 goals, 31 assists, 65 points, 20 PPP, 240 SOG
Draft range in 12-team fantasy league: Rounds 8 or 9 (picks 85-108)
