Rumor: Buffalo Sabres to let all unrestricted free agents walk?

When the Buffalo Sabres acquired Ben Bishop’s contract and a seventh round pick last week via trade, it turned a lot of heads.

Both The Hockey Writers and The Buffalo News’ Lance Lysowski reported that the Buffalo Sabres are not expected to sign most of their pending unrestricted free agents (UFA). This, in turn, explained why Adams traded for the contract. Here is what Lysowski had to say about the subject:

"Most of Buffalo’s unrestricted free agents aren’t expected to return, a group that includes center Cody Eakin and defenseman Colin Miller. Vinnie Hinostroza, Craig Anderson and Mark Pysyk are among those who could be back. Some of the departures are likely to be replaced by players on entry-level contracts, such as prospects Jack Quinn and JJ Peterka. – via The Buffalo News – Sabres move closer to cap floor by acquiring injured goalie Ben Bishop’s contract – Lance Lysowski."

We already knew it was a given that some of the names mentioned above weren’t coming back. Cody Eakin, Mark Pysyk, and Colin Miller were the givens. Ditto for Will Butcher and most likely, Dustin Tokarski.

Should the Buffalo Sabres hang onto any of their UFAs?

Given the way Kevyn Adams has structured this team in his two seasons as general manager, it’s easier to give him the benefit of the doubt regarding his roster transactions. But he would do well to at least hang onto a couple of UFAs.

Craig Anderson makes for a great backup, mentor and spot starter, even at 41. Especially if someone like Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen is in the net next season. Tokarski would be great in the net at the AHL level. Hinostroza and John Hayden would make excellent rotational forwards as well.

However, the justification is that Adams wants to continue to see this roster get younger with players like J.J. Peterka and Jack Quinn most likely joining. There are other younger players at the AHL level too. If they re-sign Arttu Ruotsalainen, he may also see himself in the blue and gold.

But with players like Isak Rosen and Aleksandr Kisakov most likely headed to the AHL unless they have an outstanding camp, it would be wise to keep a few of these UFAs around next season. Unless Adams has a plan to acquire more veterans via free agency or trade.