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

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SYRACUSE, NY – APRIL 22: Malcolm Subban #47 of Rochester Americans tends the net against the Syracuse Crunch during Game 2 of the north division semifinals of the Calder Cup Playoffs at Upstate Medical University Arena on April 22, 2023 in Syracuse, New York. (Photo by Isaiah Vazquez/Getty Images) /

Rochester Americans pending free agents: Defensemen and goaltenders

Youngstown native Joseph Cecconi has been impressive during his time in Rochester and he’s been one of a few players you’ll notice on the ice for all the right reasons. The Buffalo Sabres will re-sign him and he will remain a fixture in Rochester.

Jeremy Davies has been such a two-way player so far in the playoffs, you’d think he’s a winger as opposed to being a blueliner. He’s impressed enough, especially in the playoffs, that he could get a new deal.

Lawrence Pilut returned for a shot in the NHL, and it’s likely that won’t happen with the Sabres organization, especially now that Vsevolod Komarov (won’t be AHL-eligible until he turns 20) and Nikita Novikov are now on board. Expect Buffalo to let Pilut walk.

Austin Strand arrived in the organization on a minor league deal. He saw time in just nine games this season, but since Buffalo traded for him, it’s likely they see some value here, so expect him to be back.

Michael Houser saw time in 21 games this season and he had a 0.906 save percentage. Houser’s fate really rests in the hands of whether Adams brings in another NHL-caliber goaltender, which could leave Eric Comrie vulnerable to waivers. The only way Houser returns is if Adams either doesn’t bring in another goaltender, or if he does, waives Comrie, and the 28-year-old doesn’t pass through waivers.

And finally, we got Malcolm Subban, who has been nothing short of incredible during Rochester’s playoff run. With his NHL experience and the fact he embraced his role with the Amerks, I’m expecting the Buffalo Sabres to ink Subban to another deal to keep him around.

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Overall, you should see plenty of names from this list re-sign. And even for those who don’t immediately return, don’t be surprised if they’re back at some point before the season begins.

Source: Free Agent Focus: Buffalo Sabres by JOSH CYBULSKI, ProHockeyRumors.com

(Statistics provided by Hockey-Reference and Amerks.com, free agent info provided by Cap-Friendly)

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