Buffalo Sabres free agents: Who will return for 2023-24?

Rochester Americans pending free agents: Forwards

Brett Murray is a restricted free agent who you can expect the Buffalo Sabres to make an immediate qualifying offer. While there may not be room on the roster for Murray early in the season, he could be a first call-up in the event of injury or poor performance.

Matej Pekar has never really caught on with the organization. He played just 14 games in the regular season with four assists to show for it and has appeared in the Calder Cup Playoffs just once.

Lukas Rousek was one of the best players for the Amerks this past season and he even saw two games with the Sabres. There is no question that Buffalo re-signs him, and it’s also highly likely that he will become a Sabre full-time in 2023-24, assuming there is enough space on the roster.

Linus Weissbach has quietly put together a pair of successful campaigns over the past two seasons. And while it isn’t likely he will see time on the Sabres roster, he is nonetheless a valuable puzzle piece in Rochester and will likely get a qualifying offer. In a worst-case scenario, Weissbach re-signs and later becomes part of a trade package.

Sean Malone is an unrestricted free agent who remains a valuable leader on the Amerks. He will likely re-sign and continue to embrace his brewing leadership role.