The Buffalo Sabres were more than active during Day 1 of free agency, adding much-needed pieces to the blue line and bringing back a pair of familiar faces.
The NHL free agency period is a go! We are at the point of the offseason where teams are trying to get better before the 2023-24 season gets underway. As for the Buffalo Sabres, they made some moves. In this article, I’m going to recap Day One of free agency.
To start off the day, Buffalo brought back Tyson Jost on a one year deal. After not receiving a qualifying offer, the Sabres were able to bring back a key depth player to their team. Since being claimed off of waivers last year, Tyson earned the respect of his teammates and the fans. I am personally thrilled that he’s back with the team for at least another season.
https://twitter.com/BuffaloSabres/status/1675182623558103040?s=20
Buffalo Sabres beef up the blue line on Day 1 of free agency in 2023
The next two signings were defensemen. Up first, Erik Johnson, who also signed a one year deal. Despite only having eight assists last year with the Colorado Avalanche, I love this signing. Johnson has been in the league for awhile and he is a Stanley Cup champion. Not only should he be able to improve the blue line, but he will bring leadership to a young Sabres team.
We have signed defenseman Erik Johnson to a one-year contract worth $3.25 million.
— Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) July 1, 2023
Welcome to the Sabres, Erik! 👊
Details: https://t.co/LNpuqSChoH pic.twitter.com/4n2Qu9fJU4
Connor Clifton was the next addition. Buffalo signed the former Boston Bruins D-man to a three year deal. The scouting report on Clifton, he won’t score a lot or do anything crazy but he is a very physical player. In 78 games played with Boston, he scored 5 goals and registered 18 points.
Sabres fans are gonna like Clifton.
— The Charging Buffalo (@TheChargingBUF) July 1, 2023
A steady, physical defender with some offensive upside. Nice addition. pic.twitter.com/DoboyeoGuT
Those were the only major moves the Buffalo Sabres made. After that, they brought back goaltender Dustin Tokarski along with goaltender Devin Cooley and forward Justin Richards. All three of those players were signed to one year, two way contract.
Overall, it was a pretty good day for the Sabres. Out of the gate they got two defenders and a reliable depth guy. Buffalo had to improve the blue line and the good thing is both Johnson and Clifton have unique skills.
Johnson is a veteran and a Stanley Cup champion while Clifton is a physical presence. I do not think Buffalo is done and I can’t wait to see what else they do in the future.