The Sabres could have used this winger.
The Buffalo Sabres have been busy in free agency, adding Jason Zucker, James Reimer, Sam Lafferty, and more. However, they still have not brought in the top-six winger they desperately need.
It is day four of free agency, and many of the top players available have found their new homes. However, one notable player remained unsigned after the first day of free agency: Vladimir Tarasenko.
With the Sabres needing more skill and scoring, Tarasenko stood out as a strong target for them. However, that thought can now be forgotten, as Tarasenko has signed a two-year, $9.5 million contract with the Detroit Red Wings.
Vladimir TarasenkoThe Sabres definitely would have benefitted from signing a player like Tarasenko. He would have been an excellent addition to their top six, as he is still an impactful sniper at this point in his career. He is also a proven winner, with two Stanley Cups on his resume. With the Sabres looking to break their 13-year playoff drought, he could have been precisely the kind of veteran they needed.
In 76 games this past season split between the Ottawa Senators and Panthers, Tarasenko posted 23 goals, 55 points, and a plus-13 rating.