Sabre Noise
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How much value do former Buffalo Sabres bring to their new teams?

By Sion Fawkes

Apr 29, 2022; Buffalo, New York, USA; Buffalo Sabres goaltender Dustin Tokarski (31) looks for the puck during the first period against the Chicago Blackhawks at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 29, 2022; Buffalo, New York, USA; Buffalo Sabres goaltender Dustin Tokarski (31) looks for the puck during the first period against the Chicago Blackhawks at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports /
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Buffalo Sabres
Jan 1, 2022; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Buffalo Sabres left wing Jeff Skinner (53) celebrates with center Peyton Krebs (19) and defenseman Will Butcher (4) a goal scored by right wing Alex Tuch (89) against the Boston Bruins during the second period at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports /

Will Butcher, Dallas Stars

Butcher was one of the most disappointing players for the Buffalo Sabres this past season and I was surprised he had a chance to revive his career so quickly. Like Miller, he also signed with the Stars, for a league minimum one-year, two-way, $750k deal.

The upside is that Butcher is just 27, so he has plenty of time to redeem himself. But as far as Sabres defensemen go, Butcher was older and his performance gave the organization no reason to hang onto him.

And while it was good to see Butcher find a home within the first ten days of NHL Free Agency, you have to wonder how exactly he fits in. My guess is that Butcher will get a chance to become a rotational piece on the third pairing, before trying, somehow to once again become the guy who earned a spot on the NHL All-Rookie Team in 2018 and finished in ninth for the Calder Trophy.

As of July 2022, Butcher brings in little value to the Stars. But there is also a long preseason and an even longer season ahead. Though he’s no longer a Sabre, I am pulling for a career renaissance.

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