The NHL’s free agency period is always a busy time, from the moment things open up to the time the puck drops in October. Teams were busy from the get-go Wednesday as free agency opened at noon, and many Atlantic Division teams – the Buffalo Sabres included, of course – were quick to make some moves.
Here’s a team-by-team look of who’s come and gone for Atlantic Division teams on day one of NHL free agency. This also includes a few trades/moves that were made prior to July 1.
Montreal Canadiens
- Arriving: Joel Hanley, Brian Flynn (re-signed), Mark Barberio, George Holloway
- Departing: Davis Drewiske, PA Parenteau
More from Sabres News
- 3 biggest standouts at Buffalo Sabres 2023 Prospects Challenge
- 3 takeaways from the Buffalo Sabres final Prospects Challenge game
- Buffalo Sabres experiment with lesser-known talent in loss to Pens
- Buffalo Sabres 75 Bold Predictions for 2023-24: Prediction 51
- Buffalo Sabres vs. Pittsburgh: A quick look at the Penguins prospects
Tampa Bay Lightning
- Arriving: Matt Taormina, Erik Condra, Andrej Sustr (re-signed), Mike Blunden (re-signed)
- Departing:
Detroit Red Wings
- Arriving: Brad Richards, Mike Green, Tom McCollum (re-signed), Andy Miele (re-signed), Brendan SMith (re-signed), Joakin Andersson (re-signed)
- Departing: Kevin Porter
Ottawa Senators
- Arriving: Mike Kostka, Zack Stortini, Eric O’Dell, Patrick Mullen (re-signed), Chris Wideman (re-signed)
- Departing: Erik Condra, Derek Grant
Boston Bruins
- Arriving: Jimmy Hayes, Matt Beleskey, Adam McQuaid (re-signed)
- Departing: Gregory Campbell, Matt Lindblad, David Warsofsky, Matt Bartkowski, Dougie Hamilton, Carl Soderberg, Reilly Smith, Milan Lucic
Florida Panthers
- Arriving: Reilly Smith, Brent Regner, Cameron Gaunce, Sena Acolatse, Mike McKenna
- Departing: Jimmy Hayes
Toronto Maple Leafs
- Arriving: Mark Arcobello, Richard Panik (re-signed), PA Parenteau, Matt Hunwick, Nick Spaling, Kasperi Kapanen, Scott Harrington, Daniel Winnik
- Departing: Phil Kessel, Tyler Biggs, Tim Erixon
Of course, the Buffalo Sabres made their own moves Wednesday, signing Jack Eichel to a three-year, entry-level contract.
Several players who suited up with the Buffalo Sabres hit the free agent market this afternoon – and several have already signed elsewhere. In addition, several fomer Buffalo Sabres were on the move.
Goaltender Matt Hackett signed with the Anaheim Ducks, while Anders Lindback signed with the Arizona Coyotes. Former Sabres net minder Jhonas Enroth signed with the Los Angeles Kings, while Michal Neuvirth went to the Philadelphia Flyers.
Cody Hodgson signed a deal with the Nashville Predators, while Andrej Sekera signed with the Edmonton Oilers. Zac Dalpe signed with the Minnesota Wild, while Kevin Porter has signed on with the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Meanwhile, Corey Tropp was traded to Chicago as part of the Brandon Saad trade on Tuesday, and Drew Stafford re-signed with the Winnipeg Jets for two years.
In terms of other players who spent time with the Buffalo Sabres last season, there are still a few players who haven’t signed elsewhere yet: Patrick Kaleta, Andre Benoit, Andrej Meszaros, Tyson Strachan, Matt Ellis, Jordan Samuels-Thomas, Kevin Sunder, and Drew Bagnall.
Where will they end up? Who else will the Sabres and their division rivals sign?
Next: Sabres Extend Qualifying Offers to Seven
More from Sabre Noise
- 3 biggest standouts at Buffalo Sabres 2023 Prospects Challenge
- 3 takeaways from the Buffalo Sabres final Prospects Challenge game
- Buffalo Sabres experiment with lesser-known talent in loss to Pens
- Buffalo Sabres 75 Bold Predictions for 2023-24: Prediction 51
- Buffalo Sabres vs. Pittsburgh: A quick look at the Penguins prospects