The Sabres have seven restricted free agents (RFAs) for 2025, and most of them played well this past season. That said, three jumped out more than any other, and they’re must-haves if the Blue and Gold plan on turning around their luck in 2025-26.
And there are others who they would fare better without. I’ll be talking about them, too. Two in particular, if you want an exact number. As for the remaining two, it’s up in the air, but I’ll dish out my feelings on them just to give you an idea of where I stand.
The Sabres must keep these 3 restricted free agents
JJ Peterka
The Sabres must do all they can to keep JJ Peterka around following a 27-goal, 68-point season. When Tage Thompson broke out a few seasons ago, he notched the same point total, but Peterka’s more of a playmaker. That said, Peterka is the one player on this list they can’t afford to lose.
Ryan McLeod
Ryan McLeod also set a personal best in points with 53, along with 20 goals scored. He’s brought stability to the face-off dot and has more speed than most in the NHL. Overall, McLeod’s the 2C this team’s been looking for and is the best all-around they’ve had in a while since Dylan Cozens’ mirage of a successful 2022-23 campaign.
Devon Levi
Devon Levi may’ve struggled during his NHL cameos this season, given his 0.872 save percentage and 4.12 GAA. But Levi also dominated in the AHL, and he’s shown enough flashes with the big club to be a legitimate NHL goaltender at some point. He can use more seasoning, and it must happen with the Sabres.
2 restricted free agents the Sabres should move
Bowen Byram
Ordinarily, I’d say Bowen Byram should be in the “keep at all costs” category. Problem is, Byram doesn’t want to be in town, so there’s no point in pretending otherwise. Nope, Kevyn Adams must move Byram and get all he can out of him. The goal here is to stop himself from getting fleeced.
Jack Quinn
In 2022-23, the Jack Quinn Experiment yielded positive results. And it hasn’t been the case since, with Quinn seeing time in just 27 games in 2023-24, before ending the current campaign with 39 points. Yikes, right? Still, Quinn’s young enough for another team out there to take a chance on him, even if he won’t warrant the same compensation.
Other restricted free agents who played for the big club
Jacob Bernard-Docker
He only saw action in 15 games since the Sabres acquired him but he earned his stay. While failing to retain Bernard-Docker wouldn’t be a deal-breaker, he could make a viable long-term asset as a third-pairing blueliner.
Tyson Kozak
I’ve admired Kozak’s tenacious play since he first suited up for the Rochester Americans and am glad to see it translated to Buffalo. As with Bernard-Docker, not extending a qualifying offer wouldn’t be ideal, and the Sabres could replace him easily. But, Kozak’s been too reliable, and he deserves to come back.
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