This year’s free agency market has been filled with wide-open talent and with that you would think the Buffalo Sabres would be aggressively trying to sign someone who could score goals. Considering the team had a huge problem finding the back of the net, it would be in their best interest. If the philosophy of “our defense can shut down your offense” doesn’t work, you’re going have a lot of trouble winning games. Here is what the Sabres have done so far in free agency:
Matt Ellis was signed to a two-year, two-way deal. Ellis has played in the league for eight years. Last season, he played in 6 games for the blue and gold. The remainder of his time was spent with the Rochester Americans of the AHL where he had 7G-5A in 32 games. Hard working player who is a fourth-line guy.
Alexander Sulzer signed a one-year deal to remain a Sabre. Sulzer’s season was cut short last year due to a knee injury. Sulzer has been solid as a top-6 defensemen for the Sabres.
Drew Bagnall has been signed primarily to provide depth. Last season he appeared in 47 games for the AHL Houston Aeros. He has not appeared in the NHL since 2010-2011 when he appeared in two games for the Minnesota Wild. He will most likely play for the Rochester Americans.
Henrik Tallinder is a Sabre once again. The team acquired the defenseman from the New Jersey Devils in exchange for Riley Boychuk. Tallinder was originally drafted by the Sabres in the 1997 NHL Entry Draft in the second round. In his time in the NHL, Tallinder has 26 goals and 108 assists.
(Photo credit: Paul Bereswill/Getty Images)
The Sabres will have a logjam at defensemen with NHL experience going into camp. With their top two draft picks defensemen, they also have Tyler Myers, Christian Ehrhoff, Mike Weber, Chad Ruhwedel, and Mark Pysyk on the blue line.
It’s going to be an interesting year for the Sabres. Ryan Miller and Thomas Vanek are still under contract. One or both could be traded before the season begins.
Bob Duggan
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