Buffalo Sabres Free Agent Frenzy: Five Centers

The Buffalo Sabres have a lot to think about before the NHL free agency period opens on July 1. Today, let’s look at some of the centers who may be available as unrestricted free agents next month and who the Buffalo Sabres could potentially be interested in signing.

POSITION: Center
# OF PLAYERS UNDER CONTRACT WITH SABRES: Three
PLAYERS UNDER CONTRACT: Cody Hodgson, Torrey Mitchell, Zemgus Girgensons
IMPENDING SABRES UFAs: Zenon Konopka, Kevin Porter
IMPENDING SABRES RFAs: Tyler Ennis, Luke Adam

The Sabres have a handful of free agent centers within the 0rganization to think about. Tyler Ennis will almost certainly be back, while Luke Adam may find himself in Rochester for another AHL season, at least to start. Zenon Konopka will miss the first 20 games of the season, which is basically a big flashing red sign that says “STOP!” for any team considering him in free agency. Could the Buffalo Sabres re-sign him? Possibly, but in my opinion – not likely. As for Kevin Porter, he’s made an impact in Rochester and if signed, would likely return there for next season.

Now, let’s look at five of the centers who will be available on July 1.

Paul Stastny is entering his ninth NHL season. He’s been with the Colorado Avalanche since being drafted by the team in 2005, 44th overall. Will the 28-year-old Quebec City native be looking for a new home heading into next season, or will the Avs re-sign him? This season, Stastny had 60 points (25-35) in 71 regular season games. He added 10 points (5-5) in seven playoff games. Overall, Stastny has 458 points in 538 career regular season games. He’s represented the United States three times in IIHF World Championships action and also played for the USA in the 2010 Winter Olympics.

David Legwand enters his 16th NHL season this fall. Legwand is a seasoned veteran who has spent almost all of his NHL career with the Nashville Predators, with the exception of 21 games this season, spent with the Detroit Red Wings. He’s coming up on 1,000 career games played – just 23 shy of that mark – and has 577 career regular season points. He also has 28 points in 52 career playoff games. The 33-year-old was traded to Detroit – his hometown – at the deadline this year in exchange for Patrick Eaves, Calle Jarnkrok and a second-round pick. He was brought into a Red Wings team desperately seeking help on center and the gritty Legwand was able to help. He had 40 points in 62 games with Nashville prior to the trade, and 11 points in 21 games with the Red Wings after.