Buffalo Sabres: Which pending free agents earned the right to stick around for 2024-25?

4 - Kyle Okposo

Kyle Okposo will be 36 and despite his leadership skills and decent productivity for a fourth-liner, the Sabres will likely go in another direction. They need to start making room for prospects, and Okposo is well past his prime, plus he doesn’t bring the same edge as Girgensons.

5 - Eric Robinson

Eric Robinson is one reason the Buffalo Sabres can afford to part ways with Kyle Okposo, as he’s averaging roughly 0.375 points per game, and he’s been a much more physical player needed for the fourth line. This isn’t to say he’s earned the right to stay just yet, but it's trending in that direction for the former Columbus Blue Jacket. 

6 - Peyton Krebs

Peyton Krebs hasn’t produced offensively, but the Sabres also haven’t given him much of a chance. However, he’s been a solid fit on the fourth line, so it makes no sense to neglect extending a qualifying offer to the pending restricted free agent.