Potential Sabres Target Staying With Canucks

The Sabres won't get the chance to target this Canucks forward.

The Buffalo Sabres were considered a potential suitor for Dakota Joshua if he hit the free-agent market on July 1. It is understandable, as they could use a power forward who chips in offensively and is immensely physical in their middle six. Joshua, of course, would have provided the Sabres with that. 

However, the hope of Joshua becoming a Sabre can now be forgotten. The Vancouver Canucks have signed the 6-foot-3 forward to a four-year contract with a $3.25 million AAV. 

Joshua, 28, would have been a strong addition to the Sabres' lineup. He broke out in a big way in 2023-24, recording 18 goals, 14 assists, and 32 points - all new career highs - in 63 games. He also stepped up in the postseason, posting four goals and eight points in 13 games. 

As noted above, Joshua also plays a heavy game. During this past season, he had a career-high 245 hits. This was after he had 222 hits in 79 games the season before. 

Ultimately, it is tough to see Joshua not hit the market, but also understandable that the Canucks worked hard to keep him around. If the Sabres want to add a skilled forward with grit in free agency, there are still some other solid options like Max Domi, Tyler Bertuzzi, and David Perron. 

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