'The Sabres stand to lose only two players to free agency, veteran defensemen Alexei Zhitnik and James Patrick. Despite offers from the Sabres to re-sign him, Zhitnik had previously expressed an interest to test free agency. Patrick completed his 21st season and sixth in Buffalo, and hopes to re-sign with the Sabres. His future, however, is uncertain because of a potential labor dispute that could disrupt the start or all of next season.'