The Sabres have some intriguing free agent options from the Lightning if they hit the market.
The Sabres have some intriguing free agent options from the Lightning if they hit the market.
The Buffalo Sabres will play their final game of the 2023-24 season against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Monday night (April 15). With the Sabres knocked out of playoff contention, this matchup is not too significant.
Due to the Sabres' poor season, there's an expectation that they will be active this offseason. Their roster clearly needs to improve if they hope to break their now 13-year playoff drought next year.
The Lightning have some intriguing pending UFAs, so let's discuss three players who could grab the Sabres' attention if they hit the market now.
Steven Stamkos
The Sabres were one of the many teams connected to Steven Stamkos all the way back in 2016. Of course, the star forward elected to sign an eight-year, $68 million contract to stay with the Bolts. Now, that contract is set to expire this summer, and the Lightning have not committed to bringing him back yet.
While the Sabres' management has since changed, there's no question that they could still use a player like Stamkos in their top six. He would not only provide them with far more firepower offensively but also give them a known leader with multiple Stanley Cups on his resume. Thus, if Tampa does not bring him back, Buffalo would be wise to target him in free agency.
Matt Dumba
Improving the right side of their defense should be on the Sabres' agenda this offseason. Lightning defenseman Matt Dumba is one of the most notable right-shot defenders who could hit the market this offseason, so they should keep an eye on him.
Dumba, 29, is having a quiet year offensively, posting four goals and 11 points in 74 games. However, he has still been impactful because of his high degree of physicality, posting 196 hits. He would be a nice addition to the Sabres' third pairing and give them a quality veteran to help mentor their younger blueliners.
Tyler Motte
The Sabres are likely to make changes to their bottom six this offseason. Victor Olofsson, Tyson Jost, Eric Robinson, and Zemgus Girgensons are all pending UFAs who could leave. Because of this, the Sabres could look to bring in a player like Tyler Motte if he hits the market.
Motte is not the biggest star in the world, but he is a very effective bottom-six forward who can play down the middle and on both wings. In addition, he plays a gritty game and kills penalties. Due to this, he could be a veteran forward worth signing to a cheap one-year pact.
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