3 forwards the Sabres must stay away from in NHL free agency

The Buffalo Sabres will bring in a forward in NHL free agency, so without a doubt, you will see a new face or two. But they can’t just bring in any forward, as some will prove to be good fits while others look more like potential busts. 

There are three out there who general manager Kevyn Adams must keep away from no matter what. This doesn’t mean they’re bad hockey players, and you can make a compelling argument toward the contrary, but a variable or two wouldn’t make them a great fit in the City of Good Neighbors. 

So, who must Adams avoid when free agency rolls around, and what makes them less-than-ideal for the Blue and Gold?

Jonathan Marchessault, Vegas Golden Knights

Jonathan Marchessault has been one of the NHL’s household names since the 2017 Expansion Draft, and if by any chance he tested the free agent market, he would be in high demand. And rightfully so, as Marchessault gave us quite the encore performance with 42 goals scored following his Conn Smythe win. 

When you look at the rest of his numbers - 69 points, top-six minutes, 107 hits, and 47 takeaways, you may be wondering why Marchessault is on this list. One reason is the uncertainty: Before landing in Vegas, Marchessault was a relative unknown in the league, and despite a 30-goal, 51-point season with the Florida Panthers in 2016-17, it was the only good season he enjoyed, and that was his third different franchise. 

Sure, he proved to be a great hockey player from 2017-onward, but for someone entering their age-34 season and potentially playing elsewhere following a stellar run with the Vegas Golden Knights, it’s fair to ask whether Marchessault would produce in the same way. 

He was one of the faces of the Golden Knights, and he probably still will be if they re-sign him, and that’s the likeliest scenario. This is also someone who is so attached to playing in Vegas, going somewhere else and being that same player is a tall task.