The Buffalo Sabres finished last in the NHL in faceoff wins last season and now hold just under $12 million in projected cap space heading into free agency.
Sabres draft and free agency crossroads
The Sabres hold the No. 27 overall pick but lack proven center depth despite roster numbers at the position. Trading the selection would allow acquisition of immediate help at a position where they ranked last league-wide in faceoffs.
Alex Tuch seeks a contract worth $10.625 million annually as the top unrestricted free agent. Retaining him would consume most of the available cap space while leaving the wing thin if he departs.
Zach Benson and Beck Malenstyn rank as re-signing priorities given their contributions and the limited remaining budget. Bowen Byram remains extension eligible ahead of unrestricted free agency after the coming season.
Josh Norris and Jiri Kulich each missed extended time with injuries while Tage Thompson shifted to the wing after Kulich’s season-ending blood clot. A new center must deliver faceoff wins immediately.
Blues transition without blocking youth
Alex Steen assumes the general manager role on July 1 and will build around skilled but tough players who prove unselfish and coachable. The timeline requires patience as the roster develops internally.
The Blues plan to move on from pending unrestricted free agent Oskar Sundqvist. They will not sacrifice draft capital to acquire veterans who could delay younger players’ opportunities.
Jordan Kyrou carries a no-trade clause and stands as the likely candidate for one trade this offseason. A return focused on centers or defensemen with proven records would fit the organization’s needs.
Colton Parayko provides valuable mentorship for prospects. Any deal involving him requires an offer too strong to decline.
Potential trade proposals and cap realities
One floated idea sends Jordan Binnington at 50 percent retained salary plus the No. 29 pick to Florida for the No. 9 selection. Florida may hesitate to surrender that much for a single season of the goaltender.
The Islanders have expressed interest in Kyrou but face uncertainty over whether he would approve a move there. The Blues remain open to centers or defensemen who fit the high-pick or proven-potential profile.
The Sabres’ projected $12 million space limits multiple major additions unless the draft pick moves first. Their last-place faceoff ranking creates the clearest roster hole to fill before training camp.
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Par Mike Jonderson
Mike Jonderson is a passionate hockey analyst and expert in advanced NHL statistics. A former college player and mathematics graduate, he combines his understanding of the game with technical expertise to develop innovative predictive models and contribute to the evolution of modern hockey analytics.