Following a prolific and lengthy career in North America, veteran forward Jeff Skinner is officially taking his talents overseas. On Friday, the Swiss National League club EHC Biel-Bienne announced that they have signed the 34-year-old to a one-year contract that runs through April 2027.
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β EHC Biel-Bienne (@ehcbiel) August 14, 2026
Der EHC Biel freut sich, die Verpflichtung des kanadischen StΓΌrmers Jeff Skinner bekanntzugeben. Jeff unterschreibt beim EHCB einen Vertrag bis Ende April 2027. π₯ pic.twitter.com/QBOaplYgMX
He spent the 2025-26 season with the San Jose Sharks on a one-year, $3 million deal, but struggled to find his footing in the lineup. After tallying six goals and 13 points in 32 games, he became a frequent healthy scratch, ultimately leading Skinner and the Sharks to mutually agree to terminate his contract on February 16, 2026.
Originally selected seventh overall by the Carolina Hurricanes in the 2010 NHL Draft, he immediately jumped into the league as an 18-year-old and captured the Calder Memorial Trophy as Rookie of the Year.
Over the course of 16 seasons split between the Hurricanes, Buffalo Sabres, Edmonton Oilers, and Sharks, the dynamic skater amassed 379 goals and 333 assists across 1,110 career regular-season games. He recorded six different 30-goal campaigns, peaking with a career-high 40 goals for the Sabres during the 2018-19 season.
By joining EHC Biel-Bienne, Skinner adds high-end offensive upside and invaluable experience to the Swiss club's roster. The National League is well-regarded for its competitive play and excellent quality of life, offering an appealing landing spot for veteran players looking to extend their careers without the gruelling travel schedule of the NHL.