‘According to CapFriendly.com, the Sabres’ other restricted free agents were projected to receive the following qualifying offers: defensemen Rasmus Dahlin ($874,125), Henri Jokiharju ($874,125) and Casey Fitzgerald ($874,125); and forwards Rasmus Asplund ($874,125) and Casey Mittelstadt ($917,831).’
Archives for July 27, 2021
Sabres’ plan for free agency centers around keeping Linus Ullmark, Jake McCabe
‘While the Sabres can’t offer Ullmark the opportunity to compete for the Stanley Cup, at least not anytime soon, they have two advantages in negotiations: money and comfort. It’s likely that no contender in the goalie market – specifically Toronto and Pittsburgh – can’t afford to outbid the Sabres for Ullmark.’
Report: Jack Eichel’s agents expect trade from Sabres to happen ‘in the near future’
‘However, a trade did not materialize during draft weekend, raising questions about how much longer Eichel will be part of the Sabres. Though Adams insisted he’s not working on a deadline, some suitors may bow out of the Eichel sweepstakes if a deal isn’t done by the beginning of free agency Wednesday. After all, teams may choose to use that cap space on a free-agent center such as Phillip Danault of the Montreal Canadiens. The center market in free agency isn’t deep, though, and not even Danault or David Krejci of the Boston Bruins have Eichel’s gifts.’
Sabres extend qualifying offers to five players
‘DiPietro, 25, missed all of last season battling an undisclosed injury with the Rochester Americans. Meanwhile, Lekkas, 25, spent most of the year in the minors before signing an NHL contract and serving as a backup with the Sabres late in the season.’
Sabres have unique goalie prospect in Team Canada star Devon Levi
‘“It was sort of like an underground path where not many people were watching, but I was doing my fair share of work and I made sure when I got my opportunity I would take advantage of it, I’d be ready for it,” he said. “That’s what ended up happening.”’
Jack Eichel’s agents expect trade from Sabres ‘in the near future’
‘As expected, the Sabres’ asking price is rumored to be high, with Buffalo wanting at least four pieces equivalent to first-rounders, according to The Post’s Larry Brooks.’
Analysis: Sabres back at Square 1 in seeking to trade Eichel
‘Eichel represents a cautionary tale for franchises seeking a shortcut to a restart. Eichel was essentially Buffalo’s consolation prize, with then-GM Tim Murray hoping the Sabres would land McDavid before losing the draft lottery to Edmonton.’
Proposing a blockbuster trade that would help the Leafs and Sabres
‘Even on an expensive deal, few teams have the assets to trade for a player like Marner. That’s where Sabres defenceman Rasmus Dahlin comes into play. The former first-overall pick (2018) has shown signs of brilliance in Buffalo, but it’s been rather inconsistent, and the 2020-21 season was particularly ugly. The offensive playmaking and distributing ability is there in spades; so too, unfortunately, was shoddy off-the-puck play.’
Will Jack Eichel be Moved this Summer?
‘By all accounts, according to Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli, the asking price is “fantastical”. He said the Sabres sought a “futures-type transaction” of multiple picks and prospects. With this year’s draft now history, Adams could seek picks in the 2022 and 2023 drafts along with the top prospect selected in this year’s draft from any interested clubs.’
Sabres extend qualifying offers to five restricted free agents
‘Lekkas was signed because of all the injuries the Sabres had in goal. In seven games in Rochester, Lekkas was 1-5-1 with a 4.32 goals-against average and an .863 save percentage.’