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Buffalo Sabres: One big-name free agent to pursue, one to stay away from

By Sion Fawkes

NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - APRIL 21: Zemgus Girgensons #28 of the Buffalo Sabres looks on from the bench during the third period against the New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center on April 21, 2022 in Newark, New Jersey. The Buffalo Sabres defeated the New Jersey Devils 5-2. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - APRIL 21: Zemgus Girgensons #28 of the Buffalo Sabres looks on from the bench during the third period against the New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center on April 21, 2022 in Newark, New Jersey. The Buffalo Sabres defeated the New Jersey Devils 5-2. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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Buffalo Sabres
DENVER, COLORADO – MAY 19: Nick Leddy #4 of the St Louis Blues advances the puck against Cale Makar #8 of the Colorado Avalanche in the third period during Game Two of the Second Round of the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena on May 19, 2022 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /

Nick Leddy

I initially had Kris Letang listed here, but when I checked news sources one final time, it appears the Pittsburgh Penguins are about to re-sign their stalwart defenseman. Now that Letang appears to be out of the picture, Nick Leddy is a good consolation.

Leddy spent time in Detroit and with the St. Louis Blues last season, compiling 24 points (three goals) in 75 games. With 12 seasons of experience in the NHL, he would be ringer to pair with Power on the second line for at least two, if not more seasons.

Leddy, 31, saw a cap hit of just $5.5 million in 2021-22, so he would be a cheaper option than Letang. Something Adams has routinely stated he’s looking for in free agency this season, barring any potential smokescreen.

The longtime NHL defenseman also holds a ton of value when you read articles from sources out of the St. Louis Blues camp. Here is a snippet of what the St. Louis Dispatch said about Leddy:

"“Then Nick Leddy was acquired at the trade deadline from Detroit. The Blues went 15-4-2 after the trade to finish the regular season on a high note. He helped calm things down on the back end with his veteran savvy, deceptively strong skating and puck-moving ability.” – via St. Louis Dispatch."

You read snippets like this and it’s safe to say that Leddy is exactly what Adams is looking for to mentor not just Power, but an entire young defensive rotation. So even if Leddy costs more than $5.5 million to sign for a few years, he is well worth the investment.

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