The Sabres should keep an eye on these two Maple Leafs forwards this summer.
The Sabres should keep an eye on these two Maple Leafs forwards this summer.
The Buffalo Sabres are expected to have a busy 2024 NHL Offseason. They have gone in the wrong direction this season, and it's clear that they need to make some roster upgrades.
As a result, the Sabres are likely to be active in free agency. They are entering the summer with plenty of cap space and are in a position to do some serious spending. When looking at teams around the NHL, the Toronto Maple Leafs have two players whom the Sabres should target if one or both hit the market. Let's discuss each of them now.
Tyler Bertuzzi
The Sabres' top nine include skilled wingers like Jack Quinn, JJ Peterka, Zach Benson, and Jeff Skinner. However, this group could use a skilled player who not only produces offense but also provides plenty of scrappiness with it. Tyler Bertuzzi fits that description.
Bertuzzi, 29, started this season coldly but has since heated up. In 73 games, the 6-foot-2 winger has 19 goals, 38 points, 90 hits, and a plus-2 rating. Adding that production and grit to the top six could be significant for the Sabres. With that, he would be an obvious choice for their power play if signed.
Given how well Bertuzzi has adjusted to the Maple Leafs' lineup, there's certainly a chance that they will try to keep him around. If not, don't be surprised if the Sabres kick tires on him.
Max Domi
Heading into the offseason, the Sabres would be wise to bring in a third-line center. It's clear that one of the Sabres' weaknesses is their depth down the middle, and bringing in a player like Max Domi could be a great way to remedy that.
Domi, 29, is quietly having an impressive season with the Leafs, posting eight goals, 42 points, 97 penalty minutes, and a plus-7 rating in 75 games thus far. Overall, he has not only given solid offensive production in the Maple Leafs' top nine but also plenty of toughness. The Sabres could use a player like that as their 3C.
Similar to Bertuzzi, it's fair to assume that the Leafs would rather re-sign Domi than lose him. However, if they can't make it work, the Sabres must consider pushing for Domi in free agency.
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