As the season unwinds many questions are now surrounding Buffalo. They will need to look at all options if they wish to break their playoff drought. Adding depth at key positions will be important. Right now, the Sabres are front heavy with Alex Tuch and Tage Thompson playing strong but not much else besides a few other players.
One player that may add depth and could be an option is right-winger Marc Johnstone. He currently is playing for the Wilkes Barre/Scranton Penguins. He made his debut last season for the Pittsburgh Penquins. He is slated to become a free agent.
He could add much needed depth at the forward position as Buffalo looks to figure out to what to do passed Tuch and Thompson. A player like Johnstone could add depth and also give them a player to send to Rochester and call up when needed.
This past season for Wilkes-Barre he played in 51 games with 5 goals and 6 assists. His time on the ice has been impressive and his plus/minus reflects that. He currently is at plus 11 for the season with Wilkes-Barre.
It may be only in the AHL, but in comparison only Alex Tuch, Ryan McLeod and Rasmus Dahlin have a better plus/minus percentage for Buffalo.
Johnstone is a pending free agent as soon as the summer comes along.
Last season, while under contract he only made $775,000 under his rookie contract. He would not only be an option for depth but would not be an expensive one at that if the Sabres were looking to give him an opportunity.
From the top down, the Sabres need to add depth. They have seen Johnstone up close and personal. During the preseason in September of 2024, who played against Buffalo in the preseason.
In the first period, he took a shot which bounced off the post. It helped lead to an early Penquins lead in the exhibtion match. The Sabres would go onto win the game 3-2. However, as scouts were watching they may have been keeping an eye on a player like Johnstone.
JJ Peterka and Jack Quinn are both restricted free agents to name a few. Buffalo may be looking for other ways to add the depth that will get them past the hump. The Sabres will need to keep their eyes open for all types of players.
Marc Johnstone would fit the bill and be a player that could step up throughout next season for Buffalo.