Sabres free-agent targets: Steven Stamkos and other top-six forwards who could fit
The Sabres showed late in the season that they are willing to try a different look up top. So which free agents might fit?
theathletic.com
The Buffalo Sabres have been among the lowest-spending teams in the NHL over the last three seasons. When general manager Kevyn Adams committed to a youth movement, the influx of entry-level contracts not only made the roster a young one but also a cheap one.
With the Sabres now entering the fourth season since Adams hit the reset button on the roster, the team has invested in contract extensions for what Adams considers to be his core players. Lindy Ruff has taken over as head coach in what he considers to be a “win-now” situation.
“In terms of spending, people get really focused on that,” Adams said. “In my position, I have been given every single resource to make this team the best it can be. For me, it’s about winning. So we will do whatever it takes to win. I don’t think about the spending part. Sometimes that goes hand in hand in how you build a roster. You have to be disciplined. And, obviously, when you have a young team, you’re getting that core together, and you are projecting contracts, signing extensions — all those things matter. But this is about winning.”
Entering the offseason, the Sabres have 14 players under contract for approximately $65 million in salary-cap space. That puts their cap commitments at 17th-highest in the NHL before free agency. The Sabres still have the youngest average age among players under contract for 2024-25.
The Sabres’ spending should look different this summer as Adams enters his fifth season as general manager, one that could define his tenure. That could mean Adams takes a big swing in free agency in an effort to strengthen Buffalo’s top six. Last season, the Sabres ranked 23rd in goals for and 29th on the power play. Injuries contributed to some of that regression, but the Sabres’ forward depth chart could also get stronger on the top two lines. Late in the season, the Sabres moved Jeff Skinner down the lineup and put JJ Peterka on the top line, the clearest signal yet that they are willing to try a different look up top.
So which unrestricted free agents fit what the Sabres need? Earlier this week, we looked at forwards who could fit bottom-six roles for Buffalo. Here are some available free agents who could slot higher in the lineup.
Steven Stamkos, center/wing, Tampa Bay Lightning
Steven Stamos isn’t the most realistic option on this list for the Sabres. Will he leave Tampa Bay? If he does, what would it take to get him to consider a team that hasn’t been to the playoffs in 13 years? Stamkos is 34 years old, but he’s coming off a 40-goal, 81-point season. He’s the Lightning’s captain and is a prolific power-play scorer. He can play center or wing and would provide an instant boost to Buffalo’s top line. The Sabres would have to add some money or term to get themselves into the conversation with a player such as Stamkos. But it’s tough to think of a better fit in terms of leadership and scoring prowess. Would the Sabres be willing to sign him to a four-year deal worth north of $8 million, or would they rather target someone else on this list?Jake DeBrusk, winger, Boston Bruins
If you’ve watched any of the Bruins-Maple Leafs series, you’ve probably noticed Jake DeBrusk. He had five points in the first three games and is doing a lot of that damage by getting to the front of the net. If the Sabres are looking to break the bank for a top-six winger, DeBrusk would fill that need. The problem is, he’s likely to have plenty of suitors and could command a contract between $5.5 million and $6.5 million. For a player who has only hit the 50-point mark once in his career, that might be rich. But there’s no doubt that DeBrusk could bring the type of skillset the Sabres could use more of at the top of their lineup and on the power play.Patrick Kane, winger, Detroit Red Wings
The Sabres made a push for Patrick Kane early in the season, but he chose to sign with the Red Wings. The 35-year old showed he has plenty left in the tank, with 20 goals and 47 points in 50 games for Detroit. Maybe with Ruff in Buffalo, Kane would view the Sabres’ situation differently. Toward the end of the season, the Sabres moved Skinner off their top line. Kane could jump right onto that line and help the Sabres’ power play.Teuvo Teräväinen, winger, Carolina Hurricanes
Teuvo Teräväinen is coming off a career-high 25 goals playing as a top-six wing for Carolina. But the real appeal is the two-way game Teräväinen plays. The Hurricanes have had more than 55 percent of the expected goals at five-on-five with Teräväinen on the ice each of the last two seasons. He gets time on both the power play and penalty kill and has the all-around game to play on a top line. Teräväinen, 29, could give Ruff some different options to play around with in the top six.Tyler Toffoli, right wing, Winnipeg Jets
Tyler Toffoli played the start of last season with the New Jersey Devils, so he has some familiarity with Ruff. The 32-year old had another 30-goal season playing for the Devils and Jets. He’s not a major physical presence, but he’s impactful on the power play and would bring the type of experience that could help Buffalo’s lineup.Jonathan Marchessault, winger, Vegas Golden Knights
Jonathan Marchessault is going to be one of the prizes of unrestricted free agency, so he may not be the most realistic target for the Sabres. He just had a 42-goal season and has a Conn Smythe Trophy to his name as well. He’s small, but Marchessault, 33, is a threat in front of the net. Given the Golden Knights’ cap situation, it might be tough for them to keep everyone. Adding a player like Marchessault could give the Sabres the option to move Alex Tuch down the lineup and balance out the lineup a bit more.
Jonathan Marchessault won the Conn Smythe Trophy last year. (Bruce Bennett / Getty Images)