3 depth centers the Sabres must target in NHL free agency

Sabres fans may like to see Sean Monahan in town

Sean Monahan has been more than productive for the Montreal Canadiens and later Winnipeg Jets since the Habs traded him back in February. This past year was a throwback of what we’d seen during his days in Calgary, where he played until 2021-22, as he totaled 59 points, 26 goals, and a solid 15.2 shooting percentage. 

While this is a piece talking about depth centers, Monahan has played top-six minutes for most of his career, averaging 17:52 total ice time per game. But he could drop to the third line in his age-30 season and beyond, or if Dylan Cozens struggles to produce in the top-six, the Sabres could also flip the two players around, and Monahan can let presumably Jack Quinn and JJ Peterka flank him. 

As a bonus, Monahan can also win faceoffs, finishing with a win percentage of 54.9 at the dot this year. But last year, he encroached the 55 percent mark of his draws, and as Sabres fans are well aware these days, the Blue and Gold haven’t won faceoffs consistently in years. 

Monahan’s defensive play has also sparkled since he entered the league, and it garnered him some Selke votes in the past. He’s good at separating opponents from the puck and if he can’t snag the takeaway, Monahan will at least get his stick in their way and try to disrupt the play.