Replacing Casey Mittelstadt: 3 Center Targets for Sabres
The Sabres are looking for help down the middle this offseason.
© John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports - Replacing Casey Mittelstadt: 3 Center Targets for SabresThe Buffalo Sabres are preparing for what should be a very busy offseason. After extending their playoff drought to 13 years, it is apparent that they need to make some big-time moves.
The Fourth Period recently reported that the Sabres are believed to be interested in adding a third-line center during this offseason. When noting that they traded Casey Mittelstadt at the deadline, it makes sense that they would want to add help down the middle. But who could they target? Let's go over three potential free-agent options now.
Max Domi
If the Toronto Maple Leafs don't bring Max Domi back, he is a player who the Sabres should try to add to their top nine. The 29-year-old is not only effective offensively but also provides plenty of bite along with it. The Sabres could use a player like that on their roster as they try to become a playoff team.
Domi offers great versatility, too, as he can play down the middle and on both wings. Because of his playmaking abilities, he would be a great addition to the Sabres' power play. In 80 games this regular season with the Leafs, he had nine goals and 47 points.
Chandler Stephenson
Chandler Stephenson is another notable center who can hit the free-agent market this summer. The 30-year-old will be a hot commodity if the Vegas Golden Knights don't re-sign him, as he is an effective playmaker who can be used on both special-team units.
Stephenson had a strong regular season with the Golden Knights in 2023-24, posting 16 goals and 51 points in 75 games. He also has two seasons with at least 64 points on his resume, achieving them in 2021-22 and 2022-23. As a result, he would be a big-time addition to the Sabres' top nine if signed.
Sean Monahan
Sean Monahan would be a strong addition to the Sabres' lineup if signed. After multiple seasons with injury trouble, the 29-year-old played in a league-leading 83 games this regular season, split between the Montreal Canadiens and Winnipeg Jets. In them, he had 26 goals and 59 points. Adding that kind of production to the Sabres' top nine would be huge.
Monahan would provide the Sabres with far more offense and make the club's center depth immensely deep. Buffalo also has plenty of cap space heading into the summer, making a Monahan signing quite possible.