Sabres Should Target Free Agent Enforcer
The Buffalo Sabres should look to add some toughness to their roster this offseason.
© John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports - Sabres Should Target Free Agent EnforcerThe Buffalo Sabres are expected to have a busy summer. After taking a step in the wrong direction in 2023-24, they are expected to make some changes to their roster.
The Sabres' bottom six, in particular, is likely to have a makeover, as Zemgus Girgensons, Victor Olofsson, Tyson Jost, and Eric Robinson are all not expected to be back. As a result, the Sabres will surely look to add to their forward depth this offseason.
The Sabres would benefit by adding more toughness to their bottom six, so one player who they should seriously consider making a push for is enforcer Liam O'Brien.
O'Brien, 29, is unlikely to command much money if he hits the free agent market this offseason. As a result of this, there would be virtually no risk in the Sabres inking him to a cheap deal.
O'Brien also had the best season of his NHL career in 2023-24, posting new career highs with five goals, nine assists, and 14 points in 75 games with the Arizona Coyotes (now Utah). Yet, his most significant contributions come from his toughness and immense grit. His 153 penalty minutes and 229 hits this season effectively display that.
Ultimately, if the Sabres signed O'Brien, he would give them another option for their fourth line. At worst, he would be a decent tough guy to insert into the lineup when injuries arise. For a team hoping to break their 13-year playoff drought, adding a player that would make things more difficult for their opponents like O'Brien is worth some consideration.