Two free agents the Buffalo Sabers must sign

With four Buffalo Sabers players set to become free agents and likely gone from Buffalo (Victor Olofsson, Zemgus Girgensons, Eric Robinson and Tyson Jost), the blue and gold need to strengthen their roster heading into 2024-25. Even if only half of these forwards accept better offers elsewhere, the team will have to fill some holes in the roster.

Offense isn’t the only area Buffalo needs to shore up. With general manager Kevyn Adams building a strong core around defensemen including Rasmus Dahlin, Owen Power, Mattias Samuelsson, Connor Clifton and Bowen Byram, the Sabres’ D could still use a boost.

Here are two free agents Buffalo should draft before rival franchises.

Jonathan Marchessault, F.

The veteran winger has enjoyed his time in Las Vegas, being part of a Stanley Cup winning team in 2023. However, there are problems in this desert paradise. Marchessault expressed interest in getting a better deal.

That being said, he also hinted that he would look for better opportunities if he didn’t get them. It’s a tough thing to juggle for the Golden Knights, now that they’ve resigned defenseman Noah Hanifin and must choose center Chandler Stephenson and winger Anthony Mantha.

If Marchessault leaves Vegas, the Sabers should try to sign him. The veteran forward went 42-27-69 last season and brings an experienced presence, a high level of offensive production and strong leadership skills. Additionally, he starred in Sin City with Alex Tuch and Peyton Krebs. If a deal with Buffalo happens, Bowen Byram wouldn’t be the only Saber reunited with his former teammates.

Since the Sabers have over $23 million in cap space, they can afford to offer Marchessault a good deal. If they don’t, another rival might. Adding a player with Marchessault’s skill set and background can only improve the franchise’s depth heading into the upcoming season.

Brett Pesce, D.

Much like the Vegas Golden Knights, the cap-strapped Carolina Hurricanes must decide who stays and who goes. Defenseman Brett Pesce would like to stay, but the Canes also have to deal with UFAs Jake Guentzel, Martin Necas, Brady Skjei, Tony DeAngelo and Teuvo Teräväinen.

If Carolina can’t get a Pesce deal done, the Sabers could sign the veteran defenseman and bolster their D with a proven player. Pesce is known for his right-handed shot and is good on the penalty kill. Last season, Buffalo was ranked 13th in the NHL in PKs while Carolina led the league. If the Blue and Gold have the chance to land Pesce, they should absolutely take it.

The NHL’s top eight teams in regular season PP score (Tampa, Carolina, New York Rangers, Edmonton, Colorado, Dallas, Toronto and Florida) have all made the playoffs this year, while the Sabers are in a 13-year playoff drought. . Having a defender who can help thwart the opponent’s scoring opportunities is crucial if Buffalo hopes to play games after April.