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3 potential NHL buyout candidates the Sabres should keep an eye on

The Buffalo Sabres will be looking for some upgrades in the 2024 offseason, and sometimes buyout candidates are the way to roll.

By Todd Matthews

Sep 30, 2023; Buffalo, New York, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets right wing Patrik Laine (29) carries the puck up ice during the third period against the Buffalo Sabres at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 30, 2023; Buffalo, New York, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets right wing Patrik Laine (29) carries the puck up ice during the third period against the Buffalo Sabres at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports / Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
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Patrik Laine could rejuvenate his career with the Sabres

Patrik Laine barely saw the ice this past season, and he played in just 18 games before entering the NHL’s Player Assistance Program in late January. Laine is an ultra-talented player who, if bought out, should receive some interest from contenders and organizations currently building what they hope are winning rosters. 

No, Laine hasn’t been a great player since he landed with the Columbus Blue Jackets, but he also hasn’t been that bad, and you can even go as far as to say he’s been decent. In 2020-21, he appeared in 45 games with Columbus, but he recorded just 21 points and 10 goals before figuring things out over the next two seasons when he finished with 56 and 52 points in 2021-22 and 2022-23, respectively. 

Laine could always return to the Blue Jackets and end up with a point-per-game or at least close to, but with a change in management, it’s why he’s on this list. We should also remember that Laine was incredible during his first few seasons in the NHL when he put up 64 points and 36 goals as a rookie and took second for the Calder Trophy. 

He followed that campaign up with 44 goals and 70 points, plus an eye-popping 18.3 shooting percentage. Overall, Laine’s more than shown he can and will remain a top-six player in the NHL, and he will be 26 during the 2024-25 season, so he’s got a lot of good hockey left. If the Blue Jackets end up buying out his contract, someone may end up getting a steal with Laine. 

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