The biggest restricted free agent the Sabres have is Cody Hodgson, who had a cap hit of $1.66M this past season. Hodgson had 15 goals and 19 assists in 48 games, which was his highest point total of his career, despite the shortened season. Hodgson is a player I believe could benefit the Sabres for a long time. The former 1st round pick (10th overall by Vancouver) could easily be Buffalo's top center. I'd sign him to a bit more than he made last season. I think fans will start to like him even more after a couple of solid seasons.
Jochen Hecht (UFA) - announced his retirement after the final game. I was all for him coming back for the shortened season, but after watching him play, I think his time in the NHL is done.
Brian Flynn (RFA) - I didn't realize that Flynn's cap hit last season was $1.37M. He had 11 points in 26 games and the 24-year-old center is looking for a new contract. Being an RFA, I think Buffalo signs him to a similar 1-2 year deal that he has now.
Luke Adam (RFA) - This one is definitely interesting based on how everything has developed. Many fans have already given up on Adam after his struggles when he was a full time starter in 2011-12. He's only 22 years old and has plenty of time to show what he can do. I'll say that I'm not the biggest fan of Adam, but others have told me not to give up on him. I'd like to see a turnaround from Adam, but it's just hard to see that happening. Buffalo will sign him to a small deal as Adam hasn't done much sine the 2010-11 season with Portland. That year he had 62 points (29 G, 33 A) in 57 games with the Pirates.
Adam Pardy (UFA) - His cap hit was $2M last season. At 6' 4", 220 pounds, he offers size and some physical play on defense. He's not going to score goals, but he should be of help when the Sabres need have an open slot for him. Pardy played 17 games this past season. While I think the Sabres need to bring an a solid, veteran defenseman this offseason, I think Pardy could be re-signed...but I don't think he gets a full time spot.
Mike Weber (RFA) - I like Weber. It seems like he is always battling in training camp to earn a spot on the roster. Eventually, he gets that spot...but then he is bumped down by someone else. Still, he's managed to play 40-50 games in each of the past three seasons. I'd like to see him get a full-time spot, but I think he's in a similar situation as Pardy. His future could depend on what the Sabres do this offseason.
Alexander Sulzer (UFA) - Another defenseman I like, but likely won't get much playing time. There's not enough spots for all of these Dmen. I can see Buffalo trading a couple away in order to get something better.
Jhonas Enroth (RFA) - It's funny that everyone is talking about where Ryan Miller will go when Enroth is the one who's contract is up. He will get signed and could certainly be Buffalo's starter next year. Of course, everything depends on what happens to Miller, but either way, Enroth will be ready to go. Worst case, he's backup for another season to Miller. He could split time with Hackett, who also needs to be re-signed.
Corey Tropp, Drew Schiestel, Alex Biega, Nick Crawford, Jacob Lagace, David Leggio, Mark Mancari, Matt Ellis and Nick Tarnasky all have expiring contracts as well.
It'll be interesting to see what Buffalo does this offseason. They need to improve fast or they are going to be in loads of trouble next season, especially with the new alignment setting in.
Buffalo Sabres Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»