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Buffalo Sabres Free Agent Frenzy: Five Defensemen To Avoid

ByMelissa Kania|
Mar 14, 2016; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers defensemen Nikita Nikitin (86) plays the puck while being chased by Nashville Predators forward Miikka Salomaki (20) during the third period at Rexall Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 14, 2016; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers defensemen Nikita Nikitin (86) plays the puck while being chased by Nashville Predators forward Miikka Salomaki (20) during the third period at Rexall Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports
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Apr 2, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Buffalo Sabres center Jack Eichel (15) falls to the ice defended by New York Rangers defenseman Dan Boyle (22) during the third period at Madison Square Garden. The Sabres defeated the Rangers 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 2, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Buffalo Sabres center Jack Eichel (15) falls to the ice defended by New York Rangers defenseman Dan Boyle (22) during the third period at Madison Square Garden. The Sabres defeated the Rangers 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

Yesterday, we talked about five free agent defensemen that the Buffalo Sabres should consider targeting when the NHL’s free agency period opens this coming July.

Today, we’re flipping things around – and discussing five pending free agent defensemen that the Buffalo Sabres should avoid this coming offseason.

Before we get started, a quick reminder of the Buffalo Sabres’ blueline situation:

Currently Locked Up

  1. Zach Bogosian (cap hit $5.143 million next season)
  2. Josh Gorges ($3.9 million)
  3. Cody Franson ($3.325 million)
  4. Mark Pysyk ($1.125 million)
  5. Brady Austin ($635,000)
  6. Brendan Guhle ($667,000)
  7. Brycen Martin (635,000)
  8. Michael Sdao ($650,000)

Pending RFAs

  1. Rasmus Ristolainen
  2. Jake McCabe
  3. Casey Nelson

Pending UFAs

  1. Carlo Colaiacovo
  2. Bobby Sanguinetti
  3. Matt Donovan (UFA IV)
  4. Chad Ruhwedel (UFA IV)

There you have it. Now – time to look at five defenders the Buffalo Sabres need to avoid this coming free agency.

Next: Just Say No To Goligoski

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