Buffalo Sabres Free Agency Plan: Forwards
By Andrew Reis
Players will be moved in the next few weeks as the playoffs come to an end. The Buffalo Sabres not only need to make trades, but also have to look ahead to Free Agency.
Buffalo Sabres GM Jason Botterill has lots on his plate already. The team is first in need of a head coach, but beyond that the busiest offseason in NHL history is approaching. With the expansion draft looming, as well as the NHL entry-draft, July 1st will also come.
Of course July 1st means the Buffalo Sabres can sign free agents, another place where the team can improve.
While many people are not talking about this day because of all the fun happening before it, it is never too early to look at some options available that would help the Buffalo Sabres.
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Nick Bonino
There is no secret that GM Jason Botterill still has connections with his old club the Pittsburgh Penguins. This is evident in wanting to interview assistant coach Rick Tocchet, and others currently employed by Pittsburgh.
It would be shocking if the Buffalo Sabres didn’t take a swing at Nick Bonino.
At 29 years old, Bonino has a Stanley Cup ring, and can be adding a second soon. Players like Bonino are unsung heros on a roster like Pittsburgh and is the type of player winning rosters need.
He may not be a goal scorer, or someone to put up a monstrous amount of points, but be can contribute with the odd goal here and there but his game is much bigger than that.
The Buffalo Sabres were 25th in the NHL on the penalty kill, which needs to improve for them as a whole to get better.
Bonino kills penalties for the Penguins and logs some big minutes against top players as a shut down guy, which would benefit the growth of Buffalo defensively from the forward spot.
He is a centre who had a cap hit just under $2 million last season.
T.J. Oshie
If the Buffalo Sabres do trade away a goal scorer like Evander Kane, Oshie should be a big target.
Oshie is 30 years old now, but is a consistent player to score roughly 20 goals a season. T.J. Oshie also brings some sandpaper to his game, not as much as Kane, but some is there.
With a cap hit just over $4 million this past season in Washington, the Buffalo Sabres may look for a short term deal around the same dollar range.
Thomas Vanek
Now this entry is surprising, but this can make sense again if the Buffalo Sabres do trade away forwards.
Vanek has openly expressed a desire to one day play in Buffalo again. He is making much less then he once was, but is of course 33 years of age.
What was a bright spot on a bad Detroit Red Wing team, and a player trying to help Florida reach the playoffs, Vanek can add a veteran voice in the room.
Of course Thomas is a former Sabres captain, and other than still contributing on the power play and on 5 on 5, his voice can be a presence in the locker room.
Sam Gagner
A once highly touted prospect, it is hard to believe Sam is still only 27 years old.
Gagner is a player who can play wing and centre, as well as used in various situations during games.
After putting up 50 points in Columbus where he was gambled on this past season, he can be heading to the market.
This can be a low risk move for the Sabres, another short term deal that could cost around $2 million.
Jaromir Jagr
Now, this is a long shot, but not impossible.
Jagr is still in the NHL at 45 for a reason:
- He still has some offence
- Players love him
- He works hard every night
He would again bring a veteran voice to the locker room and and set an example for the young players. Jagr is also still able to post about 50 points a season, which can be a bonus.
Have fun for a minute and imagine Eichel skating beside Jagr.
There is still lots of work to be done, but the Buffalo Sabres can also get help on July 1st.