The Buffalo Sabres were somewhat of a surprise team in 2022-23. A lot of things went right for the young squad as they look to become an annual contender for the Stanley Cup.
They ended up just missing the playoffs but they ended the year believing big things will happen for them in the coming years. It is not easy to have sustained success but they have a core to build around.
With guys like Tage Thompson, Owen Power, Rasmus Dahlin, Dylan Cozens, and Alex Tuch amongst others as skaters, they hope to play well in front of Devon Levi. If the rookie goalie can be a Calder Trophy-type guy, they could be a great team.
If they want to make a couple of more additions throughout the year to help push them over the edge of being a playoff team, nobody would fault them. These three free agents could help:
1. Patrick Kane
Patrick Kane would be a great player for the Buffalo Sabres this year.
Patrick Kane is going to walk into the Hall of Fame with ease. He has been one of the best wingers in the history of the league. He is also the greatest American-born player to ever lace up the skates.
His career with the Chicago Blackhawks included tons of team success and individual success. He should be proud of his legendary career up to this point.
The Hawks traded him to the New York Rangers ahead of the 2023 NHL Trade Deadline and now he is a free agent. He is recovering from hip surgery so it might be a while before he signs with a team.
The Buffalo native would look so good with the Buffalo Sabres at this stage of the game. He would cost too much and they’d be able to use him just the right way at this point in his career.
He wouldn’t have to come in and be the legend he was in Chicago. He’d be great on a wing with one of their young centres and his experience could really go a long way.
They should absolutely think about this. It would be a great move for both sides.