The Athletic's Chris Johnston recently ranked the top 50 pending unrestricted free agents [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7338917/2026/06/08/nhl-free-agency-rankings-big-board-centers/] heading into the 2026 NHL off-season. Three Buffalo Sabres were among the players mentioned, as Alex Tuch, Logan Stanley, and Beck Malenstyn made the cut. Tuch was given the top spot on Johnston's rankings, and it is not difficult to understand why. Out of all this year's pending UFAs, he is clearly the biggest star, and he would be a massive addition for any team that is looking to bring in a top-six winger. However, given his importance to the Sabres' roster, they will likely continue to try to keep him in Buffalo. Stanley was given the No. 29 spot on Johnston's rankings after having a career year in 2025-26. In 76 games this season split between the Winnipeg Jets and Sabres, the 6-foot-7 blueliner posted new career highs with nine goals, 17 assists, and 26 points. He also recorded 110 hits and 128 penalty minutes, so he should generate interest from teams looking for more size and bite on their blueline. Malenstyn just made the cut on Johnston's rankings, as he landed the No. 46 spot. The 28-year-old would likely have multiple suitors if he tests free agency, as teams always value hard-nosed forwards with size for their bottom six. In 81 games this season with the Sabres, the 6-foot-3 forward had seven goals, 14 points, and a career-high 282 hits.
