Buffalo Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams made headlines when he signed Erik Johnson and Connor Clifton. But there were others he inked deals with.
Erik Johnson and Connor Clifton weren’t the only two players the Buffalo Sabres signed last week. They also brought back a familiar face and beefed up their pool in Rochester, adding more depth at goaltender as Malcolm Subban signed with the St. Louis Blues.
So who are these players and what makes them so intriguing to the organization? Read on to meet the Sabres three rather obscure free agent signees.
Introducing the Buffalo Sabres 3 under-the-radar signees
1 – Dustin Tokarski
If you followed the Buffalo Sabres during their final days of the “Dark Ages,” then you’re familiar with Dustin Tokarski. Tokarski played in 42 contests across a two-season stint in Buffalo, where he finished 12-20-7, with a 0.901 save percentage and a 3.35 GAA.
This past season, Tokarski saw four games (two starts) with the Pittsburgh Penguins, where he went 1-2, with a 3.44 GAA and a 0.897 save percentage. He also saw plenty of time with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, amassing a 2.69 GAA and a 0.916 save percentage. Expect Tokarski to be the main man in Rochester unless Eric Comrie passes through waivers.
2 – Justin Richards
Justin Richards is one player I’m really excited about. While he only has three games of NHL experience, the 25-year-old can evolve into a top-tier talent in the AHL and therefore, a sound insurance policy.
Richards spent his 2021-22 season with the Hartford Wolf Pack, where he saw time in 67 games and tallied 14 points. Last season, Richards played for the Cleveland Monsters and showed vast improvement, racking up 39 points in 61 games.
3 – Devin Cooley
The 26-year-old Devin Cooley is yet another intriguing prospect. And while you will never see him suit up for the Buffalo Sabres barring a rash of injuries at goaltender, Cooley will also be an intriguing part of this Rochester Americans team.
Last season, he played in 26 games for the Milwaukee Admirals, finishing the year with a 15-8-2 record, a 2.93 GAA, and a 0.909 save percentage. He also finished the playoffs with a 2-2 record, totaling a 2.29 GAA and a 0.916 save percentage.
Overall, I don’t expect any of the above names to sneak their way onto the Sabres roster. But they provide incredible depth and sound experience at the AHL level, and will make good pieces for what will be a young, albeit talented, Amerks team.
(Statistics provided by Hockey-Reference and Elite Prospects)