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Former Sabres still looking for new home in free agency

Gillberg
Former Sabres still looking for new home in free agency

While former Buffalo Sabres players continue to win Stanley Cups, many of the team’s “forgotten” members in recent history have yet to sign a contract as free agents. For every Sam Reinhart, Jack Eichel and Ryan O’Reilly success story after leaving Buffalo, there’s a Marco Scandella, a Derek Grant and an Alex Nylander.

Fourteen former Sabres who played under NHL contracts last season are still looking for work. Six forwards, five defensemen and three goalies are wondering if they’ll get another chance to prove they still have what it takes. Before we reveal the full list below, let’s take a look at some of the top free agents who have landed in Buffalo and see what the future holds for them.

Alex Nylander

Position: Forward

2023-2024 Team: Pittsburgh Penguins, Columbus Blue Jackets

Surprisingly, the Columbus Blue Jackets did not extend a qualifying offer to restricted free agent Alex Nylander, effectively making him a free agent. The former Sabres first-round pick has had a disappointing career, but he has recorded 53 points since being acquired by the Blue Jackets last season.

Nylander’s 11 goals in 23 games for Columbus translates to 39 goals over a full season, which will surely attract the attention of some teams. He’s a one-dimensional forward who relies on his shooting ability. The league has already seen three similar players find new homes this offseason: Victor Olofsson, Alex Holtz and Alex Barre-Boulet.

There may be an NHL player in Nylander after all, as he has spent his entire career bouncing between the AHL and the NHL. Free agent status will determine his value, but teams around the league, including the Sabres, are looking for talented players.

Must Read: New Sabres Transfer Candidate Has Emerged

Marco Scandella

Position: Defense

2023-2024 Team: St. Louis Blues

Marco Scandella went from a top-pairing defenseman in Buffalo to a penalty-killing specialist in St. Louis. He was successful in that role, but it shows how desperate the Sabres were on the blue line. Unfortunately for him, he arrived the year after Ryan O’Reilly helped the Blues win the Stanley Cup.

Scandella won’t wow teams with his production, having only eight points in 65 games last season. The hard-shooting defenseman will still provide a strong defensive presence and can be physical. Veteran bottom-pairing defensemen tend to hang on late in the free-agent market, so expect the 34-year-old to find a home with a playoff prospect.

However, his next contract will likely be down slightly from his previous average annual value of $3.275 million.

Kyle Okposo

Position: Forward

2023-2024 Team: Buffalo Sabres, Florida Panthers

Kyle Okposo accomplished exactly what he hoped for after requesting the Florida Panthers as a trade destination at the trade deadline. The new Stanley Cup champion hasn’t officially announced his retirement, so he could be looking at a possible return over the summer.

It’s unlikely he’ll want to end up anywhere other than the two teams he played for last season, and the Sabres appear to have moved on. Riding off into the sunset is the most likely, and probably only, option for Okposo.

Outlook Update: Sabres Development Camp’s Biggest Value Gainers

Chad Ruhwedel

Position: Defense

2023-2024 Team: Pittsburgh Penguins, New York Rangers

Chad Ruhwedel had a great career as the sixth defenseman for the Pittsburgh Penguins for eight seasons. The New York Rangers acquired him at the trade deadline to bolster their depth, but they didn’t really need him. The question remains whether the 34-year-old will get another chance in the NHL.

Like Scandella, Ruhwedel has been effective in his role. He’s also a right-handed player, which adds a bit to his value. Injury insurance is important on the back end, and Ruhwedel is the perfect candidate to step in and be reliable for a contender.

Related: Top remaining free agents suit up for Sabres

List of old unsigned Sabres

Here is the complete list of former Sabres still seeking NHL contracts as free agents:

  • Aaron Dell, G
  • Alex Nylander, F
  • Anders Björk, F
  • Chad Ruhwedel, D
  • Derek Grant, F
  • Dustin Tokarski, G
  • Jean-Sebastien Dea, F
  • Kyle Criscuolo, F
  • Kyle Okposo, F
  • Malcolm Subban, G
  • Marco Scandella, D
  • Matt Irwin, D
  • Taylor Fedun, D
  • Will Butcher, D

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