Free agents in the top 30 linked to the Buffalo Sabres

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ST LOUIS, MO – MAY 27: Gabriel Landeskog #92 of the Colorado Avalanche controls the puck in front of goaltender Ville Husso #35 of the St. Louis Blues in the second period at Enterprise Center on May 27, 2022 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images) /

Ville Husso, G

Husso came into his own this season, compiling a 25-7-6 record, a 0.919 save percentage, and a GAA of just 2.56. He played well enough to finish seventh for the Vezina Trophy, and while his playoff statistics tanked, he will still be among the more popular goaltenders in free agency.

The Buffalo Sabres clearly need help at the position, as Craig Anderson is the only one currently signed to the organization. Anderson is 41, and at this point is nothing more than insurance and a mentor. So Husso, at least logistically, would make for a good signing.

Here’s the issue: Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen will likely return and Devon Levi will most likely sign following the 2022-23 collegiate season. These are two young goaltenders laden with potential, despite Luukkonen’s struggles in the net and his inability to stay healthy.

But Adams is a man with the plan. And that plan is, barring a smokescreen, for either Levi or Luukkonen to be the team’s goalie of the future.

Husso will demand far more than the $700,000 from last season, given his regular season success. Most likely, his asking price will start at $4 million per season. That said, Adams probably isn’t going to end up signing the 19th-ranked free agent to the Sabres.

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