Sabre Noise
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5 worst free agent signings in Buffalo Sabres history – Cap Era

By Sion Fawkes

UNIONDALE, NEW YORK - MARCH 06: Taylor Hall #4 of the Buffalo Sabres skates against the New York Islanders at the Nassau Coliseum on March 06, 2021 in Uniondale, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
UNIONDALE, NEW YORK - MARCH 06: Taylor Hall #4 of the Buffalo Sabres skates against the New York Islanders at the Nassau Coliseum on March 06, 2021 in Uniondale, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /
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Buffalo Sabres
BUFFALO, NY – DECEMBER 19: Ville Leino #23 of the Buffalo Sabres prepares for a face-off against the Boston Bruins at First Niagara Center on December 19, 2013 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Jen Fuller/Getty Images) /

Ville Leino

Leino’s career in the NHL lasted between 2008 and 2014. But in 2010-11, he had a sensational season with the Philadelphia Flyers. That year, he scored 53 points in 81 games with an outstanding 16.2 scoring percentage. Following this breakout season, the Buffalo Sabres faithful believed he and Christian Ehrhoff would help carry the team to new heights.

He signed a lucrative six-year contract in July 2011, and in return, the Sabres got 137 games, 46 points, and 10 goals. The 2011-12 season is really the only one worth mentioning, as he scored 25 points (eight goals) in 71 contests.

The following two seasons saw Leino fall flat on his face, playing in a combined 66 games while scoring an abysmal 21 points (two goals). He also took part in 527 face-offs during his time with the Sabres, winning 42.5 percent of them.

It is worth mentioning that in 2013-14, Leino recorded 15 points in 58 games, yet he never found twine. Three seasons after signing with Buffalo, the Sabres bought out the rest of his contract and Leino never played in the NHL again.

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