There are big names floating around already this summer. And with free agency beginning today, I wouldn't mind some of them becoming a member of the blue and gold.
If the Sabres could land someone like Zach Parise, or make a move to acquire Bobby Ryan, that would be great. I don't expect that Buffalo will, so I've come up with a few players that could benefit the Sabres heading into free agency:
P.A. Parenteau - The 29-year-old forward from Canada has played in just two full seasons with the Islanders, along with some scattered work for the Blackhawks and Rangers prior to that. Parenteau had a cap hit of $1.25M this past season, and put up 67 points (18 G, 49 A) in 80 games. He's missed just three games in the past two seasons.
He's a potential 20-goal scorer, something the Sabres only had three of this past season. With Jason Pominville and Drew Stafford, Parenteau could fit nicely on the third line. He would be a nice upgrade over Brad Boyes/Patrick Kaleta. He's relatively cheap, too.
If it means anything to you, he has 20 points in as many games against the Northeast division, nine of which are against Buffalo.
Downside: He has zero playoff experience.
Overall: He's an affordable option for the Sabres. He can provide an upgrade to the third line, and is a good replacement and improvement over Brad Boyes. I think he would be a nice addition for Buffalo.
Shane Doan - He's played for Phoneix forever. We took Daniel Briere for them. Is it time to take Doan now? The Coyotes captain almost 1,200 regular season games and has scored 20 goals in 11 of the past 12 seasons.
He brings veteran leadership, which the Sabres could use. His cap hit of $4.5 last season would be a hefty amount, if not more, if Buffalo were to pursue him.
He'll be 36 by the start of the season, and should have a few more years left in the tank. I think it would be a smart move for Buffalo to consider acquiring Doan.
Steve Sullivan - He will be 38 by the start of the season, but Sullivan has had plenty of NHL experience and showed no signs of slowing down last year. An eight time 20-goal scorer and two time 30-goal scorer, Sullivan is a solid veteran who the Sabres should consider acquiring. With a cap hit of $1.5M with the Penguins last year, he is another cheap option that can provide the Sabres with a few more goals.
He's a veteran and someone the Sabres could really use. Sullivan would fit in the bottom two lines, possibly taking Matt Ellis' or Marcus Foligno's spot.
I'm not sure if Foligno is ready for a full time spot. He's played in just 14 NHL games. Signing Sullivan to a one or two year deal could give Foligno time to mature and develop more in Rochester.
Downside - his age. When will he slow down?
Upside - 969 NHL games played, 50 postseason games played. Another potential 20-goal scorer.
Overall - another solid, affordable option for the Sabres to consider. Even with Sullivan getting close to 40 years of age, he's worth signing to a short-term deal. Many other teams are interested.
Olli Jokinen - If the Sabres are looking for some veteren help at center, Jokinen could be a great fit. The former 1st round pick (3rd overall) has played in over 1,000 NHL games. He had a cap hit of $3M last season in Calgary.
Along with Derek Roy and Cody Hogdson, Jokinen could fit in nicely and allow Ville Leino to move back to wing.
Downside: He has only six games of playoff experience, which he has scored five points in.
Overall: Another experienced forward who will likely score close to 20 goals. The Sabres need help at center, and this is a player who could assist a team that has lacked in goal-scoring.
Brandon Prust - The Sabres have been lacking size and toughness. We saw what happened when Paul Gaustad was here...nothing. The Sabres need guys that are willing to protect Ryan Miller. It's pretty sad when Nathan Gerbe is the one sticking up for our #1 goaltender.
Prust brings exactly what the Sabres need. He's averaged 158 penalty minutes over the past two seasons. Anything he does on offense can be considered a bonus.
He's played in all 82 games in each of the past two seasons, something Patrick Kaleta has never done (63 GP was his highest).
Prust had a cap hit of $800K last season, so he's certainly worth considering. I'd like to see him play for Buffalo.
I was really hoping the Sabres would acquire Jordan Staal. He is exactly what the team needs, but Buffalo missed out on that one.
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