Free agency is a day away and the Buffalo Sabres are linked to multiple players. Here is an inside scoop on each player and what they can bring to Buffalo.
The NHL free agency period is only one day away and the speculation is in full effect. According to a few sources, the Buffalo Sabres are interested in multiple players. With the amount of cap space the team has, it shouldn’t be a surprise.
In this article, we’re going to take a look at each player that they are reportedly linked too. Let’s start with a couple of goaltenders.
UFA’s linked to the Buffalo Sabres
Per NHL Rumors’ Mark Easson, Darcy Kuemper is the first name to be linked to the Sabres. This would be a good signing for Buffalo. As we all know, goaltending is their number one priority. Last season, Kuemper went 37-12-4 with Colorado. His GAA (goals against average) was 2.54 and he posted a SV% (save percentage) of .921.
With 5 shutouts during the regular season, he also led the Avalanche to winning their 3rd Stanley Cup in franchise history. At 32 years old, Kuemper is a reliable goalie and he would help the Sabres out.
The other goaltender that may be a good fit in Buffalo is Ilya Samsonov. Surprisingly, Samsonov was not given a qualifying offer from the Washington Capitals. He went 23-12-5, posting a GAA of 3.02 and a SV% of .896 while registering 3 shutouts.
Sabres traded 21st overall in 2015 for Robin Lehner
— Joe Marino (@JoeMarinoTCB) July 11, 2022
The player Ottawa picked:
Colin White - Bought out
The player the Sabres would’ve taken:
Ilya Samsonov - Didn’t receive a QO
Compared to Kuemper, he’s much younger at 25. Kuemper does have better stats but I believe Samsonov has potential and he could be a good fit with Buffalo.