The Sabres should eye this Leafs defenseman in free agency.
The Sabres should eye this Leafs defenseman in free agency.
The Buffalo Sabres need to make some roster changes this offseason. After taking a big step forward last season, they have gone in the wrong direction this campaign. It was supposed to be the year they finally broke their playoff drought, but the chances of that happening are essentially nonexistent at this juncture.
One area that the Sabres should look to improve is the right side of their defense. It's clear that they need more depth there, and they should consider making a push for one of their former players if he hits the market - Ilya Lyubushkin.
Lyubushkin, 30, was traded by the Sabres to the Anaheim Ducks before the start of this season. Overall, the right-shot defender had a quiet lone campaign in Buffalo, and the Sabres elected to move him after adding Erik Johnson and Connor Clifton in free agency. However, with Johnson now gone, this may be an avenue worth exploring again.
Lyubushkin has had a solid season split between the Ducks and Toronto Maple Leafs. While he only has eight assists in 70 games, he has been steady defensively, especially since his trade to the Leafs. Along with that, he has stepped up his physicality, posting 162 hits on the year.
When looking at Lyubushkin's play, he would be a nice addition to the Sabres' bottom pairing and penalty kill if signed. Because of this, this may be a potential reunion to explore this summer if he hits the market.
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