Free agents in the top 30 linked to the Buffalo Sabres
By Sion Fawkes
The Buffalo Sabres probably won’t sign any big-time free agents. But their name is linked to a few serviceable names in the top 30.
The Buffalo Sabres have money to spend, but they are most likely to spend that money to re-sign and extend their own talent. However, there are holes that they need to fill on the roster. So today, we are going to check out three free agents linked to the Sabres, courtesy of The Fourth Period.
Now, this list is subject to change, and no, general manager Kevyn Adams will not sign all three players reported to be linked. In fact, there are players listed below and in the following slides he should avoid. But there is one listed that he would do well to pursue.
Free agents linked to the Buffalo Sabres: Player #1 – Andre Burakovsky, LW/RW
The versatile winger is of course also linked the Colorado Avalanche. Other teams include the Boston Bruins, Carolina Hurricanes, and Dallas Stars. One thing that attracts Burakovsky is that he played a pivotal role in helping the Colorado Avalanche win the Stanley Cup this season.
He appeared in a career-high 80 games, scoring 61 points, 22 goals, and 39 assists. His 16:16 of average ice time was also a career high. In short, Burakovsky is coming into his own and his versatility would make him attractive to the Buffalo Sabres.
So would he sign? My guess is that the 10th ranked free agent via The Fourth Period will not make his way to the Queen City. Last season, the Avalanche paid him a base salary of $5.4 million and that seems to be out of Adams’ range. In short, I would be shocked if Adams paid him the salary he is going to demand.