Buffalo Sabres still need a third-line center, but who?

The Buffalo Sabres traded for a quality center to start behind Jack Eichel and re-signed another recently, but there’s still one more spot open.

Kevyn Adams was signed as the Buffalo Sabres’ new General Manager back in the middle of June. He spent the first 10 weeks signing several new coaches and players for the Rochester Americans, but there wasn’t any movement to the NHL roster.

The past two weeks have been different. Adams made two significant moves to shape what the team will look like at the center position. Signing Curtis Lazar was something most fans were expecting, but trading for Eric Staal was certainly icing on the cake.

Kevyn Adams managed to move Marcus Johansson in the process, which was another thing on most Sabres’ fans to-do list for the new GM.

Now that Jack Eichel has a quality, reliable, veteran No. 2 center working behind him, he should feel a little more comfortable — both in the locker room and when on the ice. Lazar should make a quality No. 3 or No. 4 center.

Of course, that leaves one main spot open at center on the Sabres’ starting lineup, but who should it go to?

There are certainly a lot of options and they include restricted free agents, unrestricted free agents, trades, and even prospects.

I’m going to highlight four players I think are most deserving of the opportunity. I’ll select one from each category, giving the Buffalo Sabres options when choosing their fourth center.

• Buffalo Sabres can sign Erik Haula

Erik Haula is unlikely to demand a big contract, which would be good news for a Buffalo Sabres’ team trying to limit their spending. Even better, he likely won’t be looking for anything too long-term, which would fit in their interests with younger players on the verge of breaking out.

At 29 years old, Haula is entering his 8th season in the NHL. He has spent time with the Carolina Hurricanes, Minnesota Wild, Vegas Golden Knights, and Florida Panthers (7 games). He finished last season with 12 goals and 12 assists in 48 games, splitting time between the Hurricanes and Panthers.

Evolving-Hockey has his contract projected at four years with an AAV of $4.234 million, but I think those are both high numbers. He can be added for less, in my opinion.

• Bufalo Sabres can trade for Phillip Danault

Phillip Danault is likely on his way out of Montreal, especially if the Canadiens decide to keep Max Domi instead. Those rumors could just be smoke and mirrors for their own contract negotiations with him, but I think he can be added if the right package is put together.

He actually scored his first NHL goal against the Buffalo Sabres in 2016, so it would be a little bittersweet bringing him in to man that third line at center. With double-digit goals in back-to-back seasons for the first time in his career, it would be a good pickup for the Sabres.

It would be a bit of a risk, though. The Habs might ask for something hefty in the process. If we can get him at the right price, I say pull the trigger.

• Buffalo Sabres can sign Casey Mittelstadt

I think the Buffalo Sabres have two young players they can look at to be their third-line center, at least to start the season, and Casey Mittelstadt is one of them. He hasn’t quite shown what he’s truly capable of at the NHL level, but I think he’s bound for a breakout year soon.

With Eric Staal playing ahead of him, he will finally have a true veteran to learn from and I think that will help out tremendously. Of course, the team could also consider moving him to the wing to give them more depth.

At the end of the day, if the Buffalo Sabres feel he’s ready, I wouldn’t mind seeing him get the opportunity.

• Buffalo Sabres can promote Dylan Cozens

The other young prospect I think could fit in well as the Sabres’ third-line center is Dylan Cozens. He’s one of the most exciting prospects the team has right now and is certainly going to see time in the NHL this season — if not at the start, then mid-way.

He has a lot of talent and can bring this team some much-needed excitement, but the team needs to be certain he’s ready for the transition. It’s a big step for him to make and while he knows he’s ready for it, you don’t want to rush success.

In addition to those four options, the Buffalo Sabres also have Dominik Kahun (RFA), Sam Reinhart (RFA, if they want to move him to the middle), Zemgus Girgensons (UFA), Tage Thompson (RFA), and Johan Larsson (UFA) — that’s not including all the other free agents, trade opportunities, and prospects itching for ice time.

The real question is, who would you want to see as the Buffalo Sabres’ third-line center for the start of the season?

We really hope you enjoyed this blog about our beloved Buffalo Sabres. We look forward to continuing the conversation with the best fans in the world down below in the comments section.