Top 5 defensemen over age 30 the Buffalo Sabres can sign

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The Buffalo Sabres need a top four defenseman, but they could end up signing one on the other side of 30. Here are five big names slated to hit free agency.

I’m not one to name-drop so early in the offseason since the re-signing period will always take more than a few would-be free agents off the market. However, it doesn’t mean I don’t refrain from making preliminary lists and brainstorming, so that’s all this initial list holds regarding over-30 defensemen currently slated to be unrestricted free agents.

And following my article on the subject of Buffalo Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams perhaps being interested in signing a blueliner over 30, it organically led to me asking, “Who would be targeted if he indeed went after an older defenseman?”

There are five names that jump out at me. So let’s meet them.

TORONTO, CANADA – APRIL 20: Ian Cole #28 of the Tampa Bay Lightning skates against Ryan O’Reilly #90 of the Toronto Maple Leafs in Game Two of the First Round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena on April 20, 2023 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images) /

Five blueliners over 30 who could join the Buffalo Sabres

1 – Ian Cole

Ian Cole’s experience as a two-time Stanley Cup winner is uncanny for a Buffalo Sabres team seeking more than just a playoff berth in 2023-24. He’s also a physical complement to Owen Power, having logged over 100 hits and blocks in each of the past two seasons.

The one downside, however, is that Cole hasn’t always played consistent minutes for the second pairing throughout what has been a long NHL career, logging just 17:41 of average total ice time. However, he averaged 19:23 of average total ice time this past season, indicating he’s capable of lining up alongside Power.

2 – Scott Mayfield

At 6’5, 220 lb, Scott Mayfield boasts size that will jump out at you. And like Cole, Mayfield boasts enough of a physical presence to complement Power. He also recorded 21:02 minutes of average total ice time in 2022-23, showing us that he’s more than capable of filling in on the second pairing.

Even better? Mayfield played in all 82 games this past season, so even if injuries again hit the Buffalo Sabres defensive rotation, Mayfield showed off some much-needed durability.

RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA – MAY 18: Radko Gudas #7 of the Florida Panthers skates against the Carolina Hurricanes in Game One of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at PNC Arena on May 18, 2023 in Raleigh, North Carolina. The Panthers defeated the Hurricanes 3-2 in the fourth overtime period. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

3 – Radko Gudas

Radko Gudas has logged 667 hits over the past two seasons, and no, that’s not a typo. We know Owen Power isn’t anywhere near the most physical blueliner in the NHL and he never will be, so Gudas is arguably the best complement to Power on this list.

One issue, however, is that Gudas, like Cole, hasn’t played on the second pairing for extended periods, having averaged just 17:40 of average total ice time during his time with the Florida Panthers. The draw for a physical presence like Gudas is definitely there, but the question is, can he consistently play on the second pairing?

4 – Dmitry Orlov

If the Buffalo Sabres are looking for someone who can consistently log minutes on the second pairing game in and game out, Dmitry Orlov is the best fit on this list. Plus, as a member of the Boston Bruins for 23 games this past season, Buffalo can make themselves stronger while weakening a division rival.

During his time with Boston and Washington last season, Orlov logged 137 hits and 85 blocks in 66 contests. He also pitched in for 36 points, so he is capable of playing a two-way game. Overall, if he doesn’t re-sign with Boston, then Orlov is a player I would personally go after. The only issue here, though, is if he’d be willing to take a pay cut.

SUNRISE, FL – APRIL 10: Justin Holl #3 of the Toronto Maple Leafs skates during first period action against the Florida Panthers at the FLA Live Arena on April 10, 2023 in Sunrise, Florida. (Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images) /

5 – Justin Holl

Another blueliner more than capable of playing consistently on the second pairing, Justin Holl has 280 hits over the past two seasons and 243 blocks in 149 games. And like Orlov, if the Sabres snagged him, then they’re making yet another division rival, the Toronto Maple Leafs, weaker.

With a changing of the guard north of the border and Holl’s age, it’s likely the new general manager in Toronto won’t be interested in bringing them back. And if that’s the case, it should play right into general manager Kevyn Adams’ hands.

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Overall, each of the players listed above are capable of playing alongside Owen Power as they are all great complements from a playing style standpoint. Some would need to play a few more shifts than they are used to, but given their overall physicality, they would be tough to take a pass on. Though if Adams wanted to go with someone who can play on the top four without issue, he would go with either Orlov or Holl.

(Statistics provided by Hockey-Reference)

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