Jeff Skinner Chose Switzerland Over the NHL. What His New Life Could Be

Jeff Skinner’s NHL chapter looks like it’s officially closed. The 34-year-old, a former 40-goal scorer and 1,110-game veteran, just signed a one-year deal with EHC Biel-Bienne in Switzerland’s National League that runs through April 2027. After a difficult final stretch with the Sharks and apparently limited NHL interest this summer, the move makes sense. A fresh start in one of Europe’s strongest and best-paying leagues might be a great way to end a career.

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What Will Skinner’s Life Be Like in Switzerland?

Exact salary numbers aren’t public (they rarely are overseas), but Swiss clubs pay their top imports and NHL veterans well by European standards. Think solid six-figure money in Swiss francs, often structured so the club handles a big chunk of the taxes. It’s a clear step down from his peak NHL deals, yet more than enough to live very comfortably — especially if he has a family in tow.

Biel is a bilingual city of about 55–60,000 people. It’s not Zurich or Geneva, so the cost of living is a bit more manageable while still being generally Swiss-expensive. A nice family-sized apartment or house outside the absolute centre will run you a couple thousand francs a month. Groceries, restaurants, and everyday stuff remain pricey, but the trade-off is excellent quality of life: safe streets, clean air, reliable trains, top-tier healthcare, and easy access to lakes and the Jura mountains. It really is a beautiful place to live

Playing in Switzerland Should Be a Great Way to End a Hockey Career

For a hockey family, the lifestyle usually feels calmer than the NHL grind, with shorter travel, more predictable schedules and weekends that actually feel like weekends. Schools are strong, nature is right there, and the whole country ranks near the top of every “best places to live” list for a reason. Plenty of North American players who make the jump talk about the extra family time and the chance to actually enjoy living somewhere instead of just existing between road trips.

Having worked in Switzerland over the years, I can imagine it’s a great life without the pressure of the NHL. For Skinner, the move looks like a smart landing. Switzerland is expensive, no question, but the combination of good money for the league, high living standards, and a quieter daily rhythm makes it an appealing place to keep playing. It is one of the most beautiful countries I’ve travelled to, and it is beyond easy to navigate. Good luck to Skinner.

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