To be sure, there will be many more stories and constant analysis about what will happen with winger Alex Tuch. The Sabres are looking at all possible options with the soon-to-be free agent. But the organization will need to look at possible options outside of Tuch, too.
At the wing position, they may be looking at replacing him with other free agents or a trade. However, they will also need to find depth at forward if they wish to stay in playoff contention next season.
They made a trade for a player in March that they may wish to look at to resign this summer: Tanner Pearson. The veteran winger was brought in from the Winnipeg Jets for a seventh-round draft pick.
Pearson played only four games last year in the Blue and Gold before an lower-body injury sidelined him, and he never regained a lineup spot once healthy. He posted two assists and a plus-two rating during his short time in Buffalo.
He may be now entering the final stages of his career but would still add depth if the Sabres chose to re-sign him. The team itself was young in 2025-26, and there were moments in its playoff run that the inexperience came out.
Tanner Pearson has nearly 60 games of playoff experience to help the Sabres' youth
It is the kind of experience that the front office should consider if they wanted to add depth in the bottom part of the roster. They will need a player to help mold the entire team, especially the younger wings.
During their series against Montreal, the forwards seemed to press for the Sabres. They almost had moments of frustration and panic. Pearson could be a calming part of the roster and bring them down off the highs and lows.
Pearson during his career has had some decent scoring seasons, reaching 40 points three times. It demonstrates he knows how to generate chances and score. But at this point in his career, due to injury, he may bring more value as a veteran and two-way player.
He has demonstrated his ability to play on the defensive end. That may be another added bonus for the Sabres to look for a cost-effective signing that can add more than just goal scoring.
In 2014, Pearson hoisted the Stanley Cup with the LA Kings. That kind of moment and him sharing what it takes to get there as a locker-room leader may be invaluable for the organization.
His name might not make headlines if re-signed, but the team will be better off if he stays.
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