5 Free Agents the Buffalo Sabres Should Target in 2015 NHL Offseason

5 Free Agents the Buffalo Sabres Should Target in 2015 NHL Offseason

By Nick Villano

5 Sabres Targets This Offseason

Buffalo Sabres Offseason
Getty Images

The Buffalo Sabres' tank job brought them the best odds in the draft lottery, but they still ended up with the second pick. Now that Jack Eichel is on his way to Buffalo, it is time for this team to officially end the rebuild and make some serious moves. Between the Evander Kane deal last season and the moves they can make this season, there is enough to put together a competitive team in Buffalo. Here are five players who could help them now.

5. Anton Volchenkov

5. Anton Volchenkov
Getty Images

5. Anton Volchenkov

5. Anton Volchenkov
Getty Images

One of the reasons for the Sabres' utter pathetic play is how bad they were on special teams. They somehow found a way to be both the worst team on the power play and penalty kill. That needs to change, and fast. Anton Volchenkov is not a great puck handler, but he is a great penalty killer. He can keep the puck out of the net despite the other team being up a man.

4. Antoine Vermette

4. Antoine Vermette
Getty Images

4. Antoine Vermette

4. Antoine Vermette
Getty Images

Antoine Vermette is going to be a major player in a weak free-agent market. There will be many teams vying for his services. The Sabres need to be one of those teams. He knows what it is like to be patient on a budding roster. He can bring a winning mentality from his time with the Chicago Blackhawks this season.

3. Justin Williams

3. Justin Williams
Getty Images

3. Justin Williams

3. Justin Williams
Getty Images

Speaking of a winning mentality, that is what Justin Williams brings to the table. He is a playoff performer if there ever was one. He will get a lot of attention from top teams, but the Sabres can offer him a bigger role in this offense. Williams may want to be more involved in the entire season, rather than just the playoffs.

2. Paul Martin

2. Paul Martin
Getty Images

2. Paul Martin

2. Paul Martin
Getty Images

Paul Martin did not look like himself in the series against the New York Rangers, but none of the Penguins did. It seemed like they were deflated. He is much younger than most people think (he is 34). He isn't the defenseman he was in his prime, but he can bring so much to this team in terms of grit and leadership on the blue line.

1. Antti Niemi

1. Antti Niemi
Getty Images

1. Antti Niemi

1. Antti Niemi
Getty Images

The Sabres need a goalie. It should be No. 1 on their list of needs. The man who plays in between the pipes has not been good enough since Ryan Miller left. Antti Niemi brings Stanley Cup experience to a team that has never had one. He may be a band aid, but he is the best on the market right now.

Nick Villano is the New Jersey Devils writer for Rant Sports. He also adds to the site’s NBA, MLB and NFL content. You can follow him on Twitter or add him to your Google circle.

 

 
Teams in this article »
Buffalo Sabres
Share On FacebookShare StumbleUpon

You May Also Like

Related Stories

Buffalo Sabres' Ryan O'Reilly Making Everyone Forget Tumultuous Offseason
Buffalo Sabres' Ryan O'Reilly Making Everyone Forget Tumultuous Offseason
Young, Injured Buffalo Sabres Are Not Ready to Be Winners Yet
Young, Injured Buffalo Sabres Are Not Ready to Be Winners Yet
5 Things We've Learned From the Buffalo Sabres' Early-Season Action
5 Things We've Learned From the Buffalo Sabres' Early-Season Action
5 Burning Questions For Buffalo Sabres Entering 2015-16 NHL Season
5 Burning Questions For Buffalo Sabres Entering 2015-16 NHL Season
5 Dirtiest Buffalo Sabres Players In Franchise History
5 Dirtiest Buffalo Sabres Players In Franchise History
Chicago Cubs Are Perfect Example For Buffalo Sabres
Chicago Cubs Are Perfect Example For Buffalo Sabres