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The Buffalo Sabres have bought out the remainder of forward Jeff Skinner’s contract, the team announced Sunday.

Skinner, 32, had three years remaining on the eight-year, $72-million contract he signed in June 2019. As a result of the buyout, the Sabres will pay Skinner for six years but at a reduced salary cap hit below his original $9 million average.

The move will provide additional salary cap space for the Sabres entering free agency, which opens at noon this Monday, July 1.

Thanks for the memories, Jeff

Skinner had 46 points (24+22) in 74 games last season. He scored 153 goals in six seasons with the Sabres after being acquired in a trade with the Carolina Hurricanes in August 2018.