Buffalo Sabres Need To Keep Jamie McGinn
Sabres must resign McGinn
Six members of the Buffalo Sabres are set to become unrestricted free agents this July, including notably, forward Jamie McGinn.
With trade talks looming ahead of the February 29 deadline, and free agency impending in a few months, the Buffalo Sabres need to make a decision about McGinn: trade him, re-sign him, or let him go?
If Tim Murray really wants the Buffalo Sabres to be successful moving forward, he absolutely needs to re-sign McGinn before July 1.
McGinn has been a spectacular contributor to the Buffalo Sabres this season, making smart plays, providing 0ffensive help and playing an overall, well-rounded game.
The 27-year-old has registered 27 points through 60 games this season, including 14 goals and 13 assists.
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That’s good for fifth on the Buffalo Sabres in points, behind only Sam Reinhart (27 in 57), Rasmus Ristolainen, Jack Eichel and Ryan O’Reilly.
McGinn’s 14 goals are also fifth-most on the team, behind Reinhart (18), O’Reilly and Eichel (17 each) and Evander Kane (16), while his 13 assists are fourth-most.
Five of his 13 assists have been primary, coming on goals by David Legwand, Brian Gionta, O’Reilly, Reinhart and Josh Gorges.
The remaining eight have been secondary – including three power-play assists on goals by Kane and O’Reilly (2). He’s also provided secondary helpers on goals by Eichel, Reinhart and Gorges.
McGinn has also been successful on the power-play this season, notching six power-play goals and adding three assists on the man advantage (as mentioned above); he’s among the top players on the Buffalo Sabres in those statistics, particularly goals.
In addition, McGinn’s three game-winners this season are tied for the lead among Buffalo Sabres players; Eichel, Reinhart and Kane also have three each.
McGinn is averaging 14:01 ice time per night and has put up nine shots in his last three games; he’s also fourth on the Buffalo Sabres with 1.93 points/60 and is one of just a small handful of players on the team who’s appeared in every game this season.
Overall, McGinn has carved out 841:14 of ice time this season over 60 games; that includes 690:21 even-strength, 26 seconds with the Buffalo Sabres shorthanded, and 150:26 on the power-play.
With all that being said, McGinn has been a big part of the Buffalo Sabres’ offense this season. He’s versatile, finishes his chances, and overall, the Buffalo Sabres need more players like him.
Here’s one of his recent goals and a great example of his work in front of the net:
The one question with McGinn seems to be, of course, the money. Is he worth it
That seems to be the one point of contention among Buffalo Sabres fans when discussing whether or not to keep the 26-year-old forward.
This season, McGinn made $4 million with a cap hit of 2.950, the end of a two-year deal originally signed with the Colorado Avalanche. McGinn’s asking price could be somewhat high, but look at it this way: This season, eight forwards on the Buffalo Sabres are earning more than McGinn, including the pretty-much-invisible Matt Moulson, the mostly-injured Tyler Ennis and David Legwand.
Yes, that’s right. Matt Moulson, he of just 15 points this season, is earning literally double that of McGinn, and is set to earn $5 million in each of the next two seasons as well.
All things considered, the Buffalo Sabres need to keep Jamie McGinn in the fold of things if they’re serious about being successful going forward.
Next: Five Sabres Who Could Be On Trade Block
It’s your move, Tim Murray.