While signing Sam Reinhart in July would make a sensational story for the Sabres, it’s not the likeliest scenario to occur. So, let’s instead talk about a few sequences that would be more realistic for general manager Kevyn Adams to implement when NHL free agency arrives.
The players listed below don’t have Reinhart’s caliber, but you can make the case that they would all make the Blue and Gold better if they came to Western New York. And yes, even the “bargain” player listed who won’t break the bank would also fare well in a Sabres uniform come October if Adams lures them to the organization.
Now, I’ve covered numerous potential free agents already, so the one “dream name” may not be as glamorous as you may think. That said, he’s also coming off of a solid regular season with his current team, and one he could parlay into something more, regardless of where he plays.
Dream Free Agent: Warren Foegele, Edmonton Oilers
Warren Foegele may not have a place on the top-six in Buffalo, and we know that’s what Kevyn Adams may likely target in free agency. But Foegele wouldn’t be a bad signing following what has been an epic season in Edmonton, or at least that’s the case by Warren Foegele standards.
Through Game 1 of the 2023-24 season and playoffs, Foegele has been solid, playing in 98 games and posting 44 points and 21 goals. While he hasn’t been a half-point-per-game player in the playoffs that he was during the regular season, with just three points and one goal in his first 16 contests, Foegele is averaging two hits per game, and he has an eye-popping 12 takeaways.
Both attributes would make Foegele a dream free agent for the Blue and Gold. We know the Sabres forwards have struggled defensively, and Foegele would immediately upgrade the Sabres when they don’t have the puck while still providing a supplement to what can still be a high-scoring unit even if they don’t add anyone of worth on the outside other than a defense-first forward.
If you want more fun, look no further than Foegele’s Corsi For numbers at even strength, which sat at 56.4 percent despite just 51.6 percent of his starts in the offensive zone in the regular season. Further, that number has stayed rather consistent in the playoffs, with a 52.3 percent Corsi For despite an offensive zone starting percentage of 48.4.