The Buffalo Sabres have every reason to hold their heads up high after their first 50-win season since the 2006-07 campaign. It was chaotic and surprising, leading it to be one of the most memorable seasons in quite a while.
As the offseason carries on, the blend of looking back to last season and ahead to the next one is the main conversation. With that in mind, which Sabres players have played their final game with this franchise?
Let's talk about it.
Alex Tuch
If this is indeed the end of the road for Alex Tuch, it has been quite a ride. The alternate captain is the headline of not only the pending free agents for the Sabres, but is considered one of the top prizes for every team in the NHL.
Pushing the pointless second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs aside, Tuch had a fantastic season with 33 goals and 33 assists for 66 points in 79 games. The 30-year-old right winger is going to want a significant increase with this upcoming deal, and the Sabres might choose to stay away in hopes of finding additional talent for much cheaper to round out the roster better.
Even still, do not be surprised if the Sabres do retain Tuch, and declare to run it back with a similar roster.
Alex Lyon
After a successful season from Alex Lyon, it may be time to potentially use him as one of the biggest pieces of trade bait at the NHL Draft and the following free-agency period. The big reason here, despite the 33-year-old still being under contract for next season, is that there is another goaltender waiting for his shot.
When the St. Louis Blues let go of goaltender Colton Ellis, it shocked them to see him picked up that quickly before clearing waivers and moving down to their AHL affiliate. With Lyon potentially moving on to another team, Ellis won't have something blocking his way to being able to get some serious playing time in 2026-27.
Luke Schenn
Another component from last season that no longer has a contract is defenseman Luke Schenn. Age has become a factor here, and a rising prospect could take his spot on the blue line next season.
Schenn had a wild season, playing in 46 games with the Winnipeg Jets before getting traded to Buffalo. Then, once he got to the Sabres, he only played four games out of a possible 20 games to finish the regular season. He was healthy scratched, and his traded teammate, Logan Stanley from Winnipeg, got a bulk of the opportunity.
With Radim Mrtka on his way up the ladder for the blue line, Schen could be standing in his way. Let us also not forget about Zac Jones, a restricted free agent who is having a career revival as a member of the Sabres organization.
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