Sep 25, 2013; Buffalo, NY, USA; A general view of the pucks used for warm ups before a game between the Buffalo Sabres and the Columbus Blue Jackets at First Niagara Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
For the next couple of days, all eyes are on the biggest stage in the NHL for the summer, and that is the 2015 NHL Entry Draft – where the Buffalo Sabres and Edmonton Oilers are set to take the two biggest names entering the professional hockey world since Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin.
For teams like the Buffalo Sabres looking to rebuild, it is much more than just the draft that is fueling the organization – and with free agency right around the corner after the draft, we gathered the collective heads once again for a SabreNoise round table – to discuss what options we think the Buffalo Sabres are going to take, or need to take come July 1st.
There are definite needs the Buffalo Sabres can address within free agency. The team isn’t going to be challenging Los Angeles or Chicago for a Stanley Cup anytime soon (at least two seasons away). But they can give teams at the bottom of the playoff race a run for their money.
The Buffalo Sabres can afford to be much better next season – and if you are out of the playoffs, you still stand a really good chance at drafting high – as the first three draft positions are lottery eligible positions now.
So with that – here are the opinions of the collective brain trust on what the Buffalo Sabres need to do with their team when the free agency window opens up.
Just a reminder – each slide is the writers words, not mine – the italics at the bottom of each slide are my comments on the writers thoughts!
Next: Melissa Kania, Editor - SabreNoise
Apr 9, 2015; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers right winger Teddy Purcell (16 ) battles for the puck with San Jose Sharks goalie Antti Niemi (31) and Sharks left winger Patrick Marleau (12) during the first period at Rexall Place. Mandatory Credit: Walter Tychnowicz-USA TODAY Sports
One of the key pieces that’s missing in the Buffalo Sabres organization right now is a starting goaltender. Sure, the team has Chad Johnson under contract, but there’s little to no doubt that he’s not going to be the starter when October rolls around. If the Sabres don’t acquire one via trade (cough, Cam Talbot?), they’ll have to look for free agency.
Why not consider Antti Niemi?
The 31-year-old has spent the last five seasons with the San Jose Sharks, but also has a Stanley Cup win under his belt. He helped lead the Chicago Blackhawks to the Cup in 2010. Niemi is used to playing big minutes, having appeared in 60+ games in each of the last two seasons – and playing in at least 60 games in four of the last five years.
This past season, Niemi had a 2.59 GAA and .914 save percentage in 61 games played. His record was 31-23-7. The only downfall is that he comes at a little bit of a steep price, having been paid $4 million this past season — but it’s not like the Buffalo Sabres don’t have the cap space to work with, and if they’re looking for big-name players, they’re going to have to pay up. Niemi’s future in San Jose isn’t certain, and last anyone heard, there were no serious discussions between Niemi’s agent and the Sharks organization.
This is all, of course, assuming that the Buffalo Sabres don’t try to bring back Anders Lindback, who is also going to be an unrestricted free agents this summer. Personally, I wouldn’t mind signing Lindback and letting him have a go as full-time starter for the season, but then again, I’m not Tim Murray.
Are the Buffalo Sabres going to be content with their goaltending situation? Last season the Calgary Flames were the underdog favorites going into the playoffs. Could the Buffalo Sabres be the dark horse team that everyone is cheering for next year if GMTM makes those strong moves this off season?
Next: Nathan Fleming, Staff Writer - SabreNoise
Apr 5, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Washington Capitals defenseman Mike Green (52) scores a goal in the second period against the Detroit Red Wings at Joe Louis Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
I think Murray will make a couple more trades around draft day so it’s hard to guess what the largest holes will be left to fill with free agency. I have my heart set on a couple trade acquisitions in particular, specifically up front and in net, so I’m going to fantasize that my wishes come true and plan around them.
For me, there isn’t much on the UFA list that blows my jersey up. There are some old vets who could provide a bit more leadership. There are some familiar faces that might prove interesting in a return to Buffalo. But all in all, it’s not a thrilling group.
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If I had to choose anyone, I’d opt for Mike Green – his salary last year was high ($6.25 million) and he’s likely to pull something similar over the next couple of years but he’s probably the best UFA defenseman this year. Assuming Murray doesn’t empty Pegula’s wallet with the next couple of trade scenarios, I’d love to see him in Buffalo. I should add, I hope we unload Meszaros, with whom I was utterly unimpressed this past season. We have a deep investment portfolio of defensive talent but aside from Gorges, I don’t see a lot of leadership on last year’s defensive roster. Green could help direct the back end while Gionta focuses on the front.
Do we need another aging veteran on contract with the Buffalo Sabres? I don’t think the Buffalo Sabres are interested in another veteran on the end of his career, but the Buffalo Sabres blue line does need that steady hand and solid guidance of a veteran that has been there and done that in the playoffs – and Green has a few more years left in him being only 29.
Next: Jacob Strozyk, Editor SabreNoise
Feb 8, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Capitals defenseman Mike Green (52) attempts to block a shot by Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Michael Del Zotto (15) in the second period at Verizon Center. The Flyers won 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Jacob Strozyk, Editor – Another Vote For Buffalo Sabres To Get Mike Green
If he still is available and his current team do not wish to resign him, a player that would mean the world to the Buffalo Sabres would be none other than Mike Green. Mike Green once scored 32 goals in a season, and since has still been a solid offensive bullion presence in the NHL.
Should the Washington Capitals let him walk away, he would be a very valuable asset for Buffalo. As a proven top 2 defenseman in this league, he brings both experience and determination to the lineup. His defensive ability is not lost in any way in comparison to his offensive ability. Green would step in as the Sabres top defender and would not only be a great player but mentor as well.
At the young age of 29, he is still in the prime of his career. That being said, Green would be on Buffalo to help them finish their rebuild and even continue to be a top level player in the process. He has said that he would love to stay in Washington, but Washington has said that he will need to accept a reduced salary and less of a player role. In Buffalo, he would have the opportunity to play top defenseman minutes while also being one of the primary sources of offense.
The Sabres lack a puck moving defenseman that can control the offensive play from the blue line. They have been missing a power play quarterback for so many years, and Mike Green would be the man to solve that issue. Should Green hit the free agent market, the Buffalo Sabres would be fools not to throw him a large ridiculous contract to sway him here.
Bringing in Mike Green might change the dynamics of the blue line, but if the team wants to add another level of security on an already budding defensive corps, it might just be the guy in the locker room that can keep Nikita Zadorov’s head in the game.
Next: Adam Savard, Staff Writer
May 10, 2015; Anaheim, CA, USA; The puck goes into the goal for a score off of a shot by Anaheim Ducks defenseman Francois Beauchemin (not pictured) on Calgary Flames goalie Karri Ramo (31) as Anaheim Ducks center Ryan Kesler (17) attempts to deflect the puck during the third period in game five of the second round of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
Adam Savard, Staff Writer – Buffalo Sabres Look For Veteran Defense
One week before the draft many fans can see the Buffalo Sabres roster taking shape. If you don’t like what you’re seeing, I can’t help you. But there are still holes to be filled. The lack of big name free agents works in favor of the Sabres, whom aren’t likely to hand out the massive contract yet.
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That doesn’t mean a reasonable contract to Anaheim Ducks defenseman Francois Beauchemin doesn’t make a ton of sense. I realize his age (35) doesn’t fit into the long-term plan for the Buffalo Sabres but what he brings to a team does.
Beauchemin put up 23 points, including eleven goals, in 63 games played with the Ducks and still eats up over twenty minutes of ice per game. While those aren’t great numbers they would help support a new set of offensive threats on the top two lines with Evander Kane and most likely Jack Eichel in the fold.
But Beauchemin wouldn’t be signed for the points. He is a veteran of several deep playoff runs with the Ducks, including a Stanley Cup from the 2006-07 season. He is an on-ice leader and presence in the locker room. With the Sabres having a young defensive group Beauchemin can support their all-around development. He plays a strong blue line and has enough offensive punch to consider a credible threat.
Imagine the defense with Beauchemin in Buffalo. Rasmus Ristolainen, Nikita Zadorov, Zach Bogosian, Mark Pysyk, Josh Georges and Beauchemin as your top six with Mike Weber as your seventh defensemen. Mix that up how you want, that’s got strong written all over it.
It also provides GM Tim Murray with flexibility. If he moves one of the young defensemen in a deal for a top-six forward or goaltender, Beauchemin can come in and take the minutes he is used to playing in Anaheim while still being a mentor to younger players.
With the Buffalo Sabres not ready to contend for a Stanley Cup in 2015-16 (we think), Beauchemin at 35 may look for a team more ready to do so. But this is the type of player the Sabres need in the locker room and on the ice as part of their growth and future success. If the Sabres have to overpay Beauchemin to bring him in then so be it. It’s different than overpaying Mike Green.
Beauchemin is coming off a three-year, $10.5 million dollar deal. If Buffalo were to offer 3/$12 million, I think that’s good value for both sides. I would be elated if Francois Beauchemin were a Buffalo Sabre for the next three seasons.
If your going to overpay for a player – I want someone that is going to be here when the team is pushing for a Stanley Cup – Beauchemin is that aging veteran that we don’t need. Sure he would be the voice of reason in the locker room, the coach to the young kids, but knowing he won’t be around to challenge for a Stanley Cup – how much effort does he bring to the table each night?
Next: Tim Redinger, Senior Editor
Apr 4, 2015; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; Winnipeg Jets forward Mathieu Perreault (85) celebrates Winnipeg Jets goal by Winnipeg Jets forward Michael Frolik (not pictured) during the first period at MTS Centre. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY Sports
Tim Redinger – Senior Editor, Buffalo Sabres Empty Wing Problem
I love these round table posts. It is great to see that by committee, we all think the Buffalo Sabres should do something different when it comes to free agency.
Certainly there are a lot of moving parts that could change the landscape between now and July 1st. Players that are drafted, players that are traded for. The roster could look drastically different come Sunday morning than it does today.
As far as free agency is concerned, I wouldn’t care if the Buffalo Sabres passed on July 1st and didn’t overpay free agents. But we know there are holes on the team and there is money to spend. So with that, I think the Buffalo Sabres need to focus on free agency even in a thin class this year – as opposed to overpaying in a trade on draft day.
The Buffalo Sabres need depth at right wing. We have long since said that about them down the middle, a position they now haven plenty of prospects and players at. You can’t build a solid ship by only focusing on one part though.
Who gets the tap at right wing? How about Michael Frolik from the Winnipeg Jets?
The Jets don’t have the cap space that the Buffalo Sabres do and won’t be able to get Frolik on their roster at the price he is going to be asking. Buffalo can afford to get him in around the 5 million mark that the agent is probably going to be looking for.
All it takes is a phone call from former teammate Evander Kane – were the two of them close? Great locker room chemistry? I mean if there is a problem between the two guys then you wouldn’t want that in your locker room.
It might even be worth sending the Jets a conditional trade on draft day, say a late round pick that bumps up to a third round pick if we sign him before July 1 – keeping him from testing the open market.
The Buffalo Sabres need to attack free agency, but doing it wisely, and not just throwing money at a player and hoping they sign in Buffalo.
