Buffalo Sabres Free Agency Plan: Defence
By Andrew Reis
After exploring forwards the Buffalo Sabres may look to sign, the next step comes on defence.
It comes without question that the Buffalo Sabres need to upgrade their blueline. The team has began this process early with the signing of Viktor Antipin, but more needs to be done.
Many believe the Buffalo Sabres will try to go the trade route when it comes to defence, but on July 1st there will be some defencemen available.
With the likes of Cody Franson and Dmitry Kulikov leaving, there are players who
would be considered an upgrade.
Next: Buffalo Sabres Free Agency Plan: Forwards
Kevin Shattenkirk
Now this is obviously the most expensive option. At 28 years old, Shattenkirk is looking for a long term, and a big money deal.
He would be able to help offensively from the blueline, but leaves questions about defending. A player who can rack up points, but finishes as a minus.
The Buffalo Sabres should explore every option, but this one will come with a cost.
Michael Stone
Stone had himself a good season between Arizona and Calgary. Not known for putting up points, he is strong on defending the goal.
His strengths are where the Buffalo Sabres lack, and desperately need improvement. Stone is a defenceman who can hit, block, kill penalties, and log minutes. He averages almost 20 minutes a night for his career.
Turning 27 when free agency starts, Stone is still wanted by Calgary. General Manager Brian Burke praised him many times on the way to making the playoffs.
Stone currently makes $4 million, and if he hits open waters, he will be looking for a raise.
Michael Del Zotto
Del Zotto has gone from a player seemingly done in the NHL to improving yet again. With Philadelphia this season, he had a strong showing on the defensive side of the puck.
Blocking shots, and hitting were his strong suit.
Of course in playing this style comes risk. Del Zotto only featured in 51 games, and only 52 the year previous.
He is able to eat minutes and kill penalties as well, similar to Stone. Games missed of course is a concern in signing a defenseman.
Only 27 when the market opens, he currently has a cap hit of under $4 million. This is a move that may cost the Buffalo Sabres close to $5 million.
Kris Russell
Another defenceman who is more the stay at home type. The only issue with Russell is if we will even make it to free agency.
After being a reliable defenceman on a successful Edmonton team, it is hard to imagine he will leave.
Averaging over 21 minutes this past season at 30 years old, he was a staple in that team.
This is a player that if Edmonton can’t hold onto for any reason, the Buffalo Sabres need to go after him.
Russell made $3.1 million last season, he will of course want a raise, but is worth the risk after his showing last season.
Karl Alzner
The final defenseman the Sabres should target is Alzner. Watching him these past playoffs showed his weaknesses, but he does have an upside.
A solid plus player on a good team, and yet another defenceman who can log many minutes is his main game as well. At 28, Alzner appeared in all 82 games this year, which shows a good contestability in his game.
His biggest downside is a lack of offensive production and giveaways. If this can be improved upon, or put beside a strong defenseman, Alzner can be a nice addition to the Buffalo Sabres.
Alzner made $2.8 million last season, and as it goes with free agency, he will be seeking more.
The prospect of restricted free agency is unlikely. The Buffalo Sabres will try the trade market first, but should look at these five men to bolster the blueline.
It is the largest concern for the team, and with quick improvements here, a season can go much better.