With free agency just 17 days away, the Sabres will hopefully be all in on some big names this offseason. We have written all the different articles on the dos and don'ts so far, stemming from reasonable signings, realistic signings, dream signings, and more.
These three players could ruin the future of the Sabres going forward if they were to sign them.
Mitch Marner
Marner has been the talk of the town this free agency as many expect him to sign elsewhere, as the Leafs aren’t willing to pay him the 13 million he is projected to receive. However, Sabres fans think they should take a chance on signing Marner, but I think it would be a mistake.
Marner just put up 100 points this year for the first time in his career, but his success has yet to translate in the playoffs. Now, the Sabres have struggled to make the playoffs since 2011, but Marner would be a salary clog. With an offense that is already top-10 in the league, which, if you haven’t heard me say that before, is a pretty common occurrence.
The Sabres would be better off going after an all-star caliber player who won’t break the bank for them. Marner is a star in this league, but the Sabres shouldn’t break the bank to try and sign him. I also would hate to see Marner break up the chemistry that this offense currently has, and with everyone wanting him on their team, the Sabres should put their interest into other free agents.
Aaron Ekblad
Ekblad has been a consistent and talented defenseman for the Panthers over the last 11 years. Ekblad wants to play out his career in Florida; however, with the contract he possesses and teams likely to offer him another big contract this offseason, Ekblad could be leaving in free agency.
The Sabres, as we have heard from Kevyn Adams this offseason, want to make big moves in order to put this team back in the playoffs. I think holding off on Ekblad would be the best-case scenario for the Sabres unless they trade some players to clear up cap space.
With Ekblad getting 7.5 million per year now, I expect him to get around the same per season in free agency. The Sabres already have 20 million invested in Rasmus Dahlin and Owen Power, and another eight million for Ekblad would put them up against the cap.
The Sabres can get younger talent who are as talented as Ekblad, and for a cheaper price, to bolster the depth of their team next season.
Claude Giroux
Giroux has played almost 20 years in this league and has been a big-name all-star in his career. Giroux played last season with the Senators, producing 50 points in his 81 games. He was one of the big reasons the Sens found themselves back in the playoffs after 8 years.
However, Giroux is 37, and his production is starting to decline a bit. Could he be a good addition for the Sabres? I think it's a 50/50 gamble. Giroux is getting at least another six to seven million next season, unless he takes a pay cut and goes to a big-name contender, or takes a big pay cut with Ottawa.
The Sabres already have a multitude of veterans who can help lead the way next season, and they could spend the same amount of money on a younger player, with a high ceiling, who can give them more than just a few years going forward.
Giroux still has some good years left in him, especially if he is putting up 50 points at the age of 37, but I think the Sabres should invest in younger talent in free agency and stay away from the risk.