I'd take a 2 yr bridge straight to free agency and Buffalo can offer that 8th year deal if they start competing and become a legit threat in the East.
2 yrs x $6.5 mil and likely lands $8+ mil on next deal if he can become a consistent 30+ goal, 80pt player in next few seasons.
If not 2 years, it's risky for Buffalo to offer 7-8 yrs IMO but obviously depends on cap hit. I'd think 7.5 x 6-7 years makes sense for both sides?
**Move Skinner in a couple years if he can recoup more value in 30 goals, Buffaloretains a chunk**