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.
Predlines
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