The offensive splash FA target: Mitch Marner
The biggest name on the market this offseason will be Maple Leafs forward Mitch Marner. All eyes point he will test the market this offseason. Marner will look for a massive contract wherever he sees his next destination will be. It’s likely that he could end up going back to Toronto and continue building what he already has built with the Maple Leafs.
The issue bringing Marner into Buffalo is the price many markets have the wingers value at 14 million AAV, meaning that Marner could make more than Connor McDavid on a per yearly basis, and about 750,000 more than his line partner in Auston Matthews. Ultimately, spending a significant amount of money on Marner could be worthwhile. He’s about to turn 28 and is constantly on the ice.
The six-time all-star has only missed 14 games over the last two seasons and earned a career high in points notching 102 helped by slashing 75 assists the most in a single season for Marner. Marner’s play making ability would boost the Sabres top 6 and bolster the lineup, giving more consistency throughout the lineup.
Buying into this season FA target: Brock Boeser
If the Sabres could land Brock Boeser, it would go down as the best for Adams as the Sabres general manager, but leaves a few questions on how he would fit in. Boeser gives the Sabres a solid second line winger the last two seasons he has averaged about 18 minutes per game and has been consistently producing at a 50 point per season player. Buffalo has many of the same players that Boeser can bring.
With a struggling power play last season, Boeser can bring a new light to the area of weakness, as the Minnesota native has racked up 25 PPG over the last two seasons. The 27-year-old will be giving a chance to bet on himself and return to 23-24 all-star caliber player who tailed 40 goals and a career-high in points. If Adams signs a deal with Boeser, it would feel like an Adam’s type move betting on a player to get back to his old self while still in his prime. A high risk with a potentially high reward if it works out.
Adding a Veteran presence to the Sabres: Patrick Kane
Is it finally the offseason when the Sabres will land Buffalo native, Patrick Kane? Obviously, Patrick Kane isn’t the same 100+ point player anymore, but he would give the Sabres some balance on the bottom 6 or even some stability for a bit on the second line in the early portion of the season, as Ruff figures out the best line combos.
Kane brings Stanley Cup pedigree to the Sabres roster, something that was missing on the Sabres roster last season. The 3-time cup winner knows the city is looking for its first playoff appearance in 14 seasons and tells the players how hockey can be in Buffalo when the city is buzzing.