Sabre Noise
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Top 5 defensemen over age 30 the Buffalo Sabres can sign

By Sion Fawkes

MONTREAL, CANADA - APRIL 13: Dmitry Orlov #81 of the Boston Bruins skates during the first period against the Montreal Canadiens at Centre Bell on April 13, 2023 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The Boston Bruins defeated the Montreal Canadiens 5-4. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)
MONTREAL, CANADA - APRIL 13: Dmitry Orlov #81 of the Boston Bruins skates during the first period against the Montreal Canadiens at Centre Bell on April 13, 2023 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The Boston Bruins defeated the Montreal Canadiens 5-4. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images) /
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Could Radko Gudas end up with the Buffalo Sabres?
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.

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