3 older Buffalo Sabres likely to stick around for rebuild

SUNRISE, FL - DECEMBER 2: Casey Mittelstadt #37 of the Buffalo Sabres celebrates his goal with Rasmus Asplund #74 and Zemgus Girgensons #28 during second-period action against the Florida Panthers at the FLA Live Arena on December 2, 2021 in Sunrise, Florida. (Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images)
SUNRISE, FL - DECEMBER 2: Casey Mittelstadt #37 of the Buffalo Sabres celebrates his goal with Rasmus Asplund #74 and Zemgus Girgensons #28 during second-period action against the Florida Panthers at the FLA Live Arena on December 2, 2021 in Sunrise, Florida. (Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images)
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Buffalo Sabres
BUFFALO, NY – APRIL 9: Jeff Skinner #53 of the Buffalo Sabres during the game against the Washington Capitals at KeyBank Center on April 9, 2021 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Kevin Hoffman/Getty Images)

It’s no secret the Buffalo Sabres are trying to get younger and that they will sell at the trade deadline

The Buffalo Sabres are gearing up to become a relevant hockey team for the next five to seven seasons. And one requirement to become relevant long-term is to deal with immense growing pains.

The Sabres have become one of the NHL’s youngest teams and they will continue to get younger following the trade deadline. Although they will enhance their youth movement, expect a few older players to stick around for this rebuild.

Each of the following players are at least 28, and each have become a prime staple on the team. They’re not just fan favorites, but valuable assets who can produce when needed, and lead a locker room during trying times.

And best yet, two of the names listed will be cool with taking a back seat on the lower lines if it means changing the team’s fortunes in the near-future. Here are three older Buffalo Sabres you can expect to stick around.