3 remaining free agents the Buffalo Sabres could sign – The Hockey Writers – Buffalo Sabres

Free agency has been fairly quiet for the Buffalo Sabres in 2024, as they have taken the approach of signing players from the bottom of the board and hoping their top forwards improve their strategy. While there is reason to hope that this strategy works, there is still a hole in their roster that needs to be filled. Looking at the remaining free agents on the board, there are a few options that could fill it, as some underrated forward talent remains up for grabs. The Sabres would be wise to view them as a short-term solution as they continue to develop their younger players and bet on their production next season.

Max Pacioretty, AG

At 35, Max Pacioretty is the oldest player that will be suggested, but that doesn’t diminish what he would bring to this team. He’s certainly not the player he once was, as the longtime goal-scoring threat has struggled with injuries in recent seasons, but he still has the hockey IQ and playmaking ability to be exactly what the Sabres need on their second line of left wing. Putting him on the left side with Dylan Cozens and Jack Quinn would allow him to use the space they would create to be a goal-scoring threat and make plays with the open ice he would be given.

Pacioretty doesn’t just bring scoring stats; he brings leadership qualities and a winning mentality. He was captain of the Montreal Canadiens for three seasons and was a key member of the Vegas Golden Knights’ regular season and playoff efforts throughout his tenure with them. As he looks for a new team to join, Buffalo has an open spot in their top six, and if they’re willing to gamble on him while he gambles on himself, the opportunity could be a great fit for both parties. He’s joining a budding young team and the Sabres are filling the role they’re looking to solidify while he also mentors their young stars along the way. Even if he ends up as a third-line option, he’d be worth having on the team.

Daniel Sprong, RW

Daniel Sprong is a riskier pick here, as he hasn’t had a chance to crack the top-6 in his career yet. Over his last two seasons with the Seattle Kraken and Detroit Red Wings, he’s been given a bit more opportunity, but he’s still averaging less than 12 minutes of ice time between them. His scoring ability is really what catches my attention, and the Sabres could use someone to replace the scoring ability they lost by acquiring Jeff Skinner.

Sprong has scored 20+ goals over the last two seasons and if he had the chance to play with more speed and better players, he would certainly put the puck in the net more often. He has a deadly shot and is very willing to put the puck on goal. With the Sabres needing a little more firepower, he would be just what the doctor ordered and he wouldn’t cost them much either. They have plenty of cap space to give him a decent one or two-year deal and give themselves more assurance that the puck will hit the twine this season. This is a low-risk, high-reward signing and worst-case scenario, they have a third-line player who will score 20 goals.

Kevin Labanc, AD

Kevin Labanc was once on a top-six trajectory in his career with the San Jose Sharks. He had the playmaking skills, the finishing ability, he was solid defensively and he was a hard-working player who did everything a coach could want, and then suddenly the Sharks disappeared off the map, and so did he. Now he finds himself looking for a new home via free agency, and the Sabres could scoop him up and try to see what a coach like Lindy Ruff could do with him. He still has plenty of upside at 28, and he could still fit into the Sabres’ top-six as a scoring option if they use him the right way.

Of the three players suggested, Labanc is the least likely to be a top-six pick, but he has played that role in his career, and he has played it quite well. He would be a nice transition player to fill that role until Zach Benson is ready to take over full-time, or to swap spots with newly acquired Jason Zucker, depending on the needs of the situation with Cozens and Quinn. Labanc is a versatile player who can slot into any position in the lineup and be useful, and that is where this signing would be crucial for the Sabres. They would have a utility player to slot into any line for energy, playmaking, or finishing at any point in the game, and he would be ready to play. There is still a lot of room for improvement for Labanc, and the Sabres would be the perfect team to bring him out.

Sabres must fulfill top-six role before season

If the Sabres wait too long to sign a player to fill the hole in their top six, or to make a trade, they’re going to have a tough time coming into the season. The sooner the roster is set, the sooner the coaching staff can get to work on establishing line combinations and putting things in place to work on team chemistry. If they wait until the season starts and realize they still need someone to fill that role, they’re going to have a tough time getting going. Better safe than sorry, and general manager Kevyn Adams needs to have a greater sense of urgency to get that job done.

Related – What Does the Matt Savoie Trade Mean for the Sabres?

There isn’t much left to choose from in the free agent pool, but these three players still have a lot to offer the Sabres at a discounted price. Teams obviously aren’t falling over themselves to get these players since they’re still on the table, so the time to act is now before other teams add to their rosters and start filling their remaining roster spots. The Sabres can’t afford to hesitate as the rest of the Atlantic Division prepares for the 2024-25 season. They have a lot on their plate, so adding every weapon they can is a must.