Jeff Skinner seems reinvigorated under Don Granato

The past two seasons were a complete nightmare for Buffalo Sabres forward Jeff Skinner. After a 40-goal, 63 point season in 2018-19, he scored a combined 21 goals and 37 points in 112 games.

Times were tough for the now 29-year-old, who was viewed by many as having the worst contract in the league. Many were puzzled as to what caused the sudden drop off for the once very skilled goal scorer. As it turns out however, it may have been more of a result as who was behind the bench.

After that great 2018-19 season, the Sabres brought in Ralph Krueger and it did a number on Skinner. In 84 games the two were together, Skinner had just 26 points, while seeing his ice time drop dramatically. Once Krueger was fired and replaced by Don Granato during the 2020-21 season, Skinner's numbers began to improve, and have gotten even better this season.

In 14 games so far, Skinner has had a nice bounce back with five goals and nine points. He is both shooting and scoring more, and is also receiving just under 17 minutes in ice time per game. He seems to have silenced many of his doubters and appears to be back to the solid goal scoring forward he once was. While his team likely won't be a contender this season, it is nice to see him looking like the Jeff Skinner of old.

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