The Buffalo Sabres could go a number of different ways as the NHL is in the midst of trade season following the NHL Draft and the opening of free agency on July 1. With the departure of winger Alex Tuch and defenseman Bowen Byram, GM Jarmo Kekalainen is expected to seek out offensive reinforcements to make up for the 44 goals lost by their departures.
Advertisement
Over the next few weeks, we will continue to look at potential options for the Sabres. Some of the possibilities are not going to match Tuch’s stats, but any additions could provide some relief to the pressure that youngsters Konsta Helenius, Jiri Kulich, or Noah Ostlund will be under to make up the deficit.
Other Sabres Stories
Sabres Emotionally Devastated By Game 7 Overtime Loss
Kekalainen ideally would like to replace the 60-to-70 point production that he lost with Tuch, and one possibility still unsigned is big winger Anthony Mantha. The 31-year-old enjoyed a renaissance last season, scoring a career-high 33 goals with the Pittsburgh Penguins. The former Detroit first rounder scored 20+ goals in consecutive seasons with the Red Wings, but has struggled with injuries throughout his 11-year NHL career.
Advertisement
After being dealt to Washington in 2021, the 6’5”, 240 lb. forward, was dealt to Vegas at the 2024 trade deadline as a rental, and played only 13 games for Calgary in 2025. Pittsburgh signed Mantha to an incentive-based one-year deal and were paid off with his best offensive year, but he now is looking for a deal with some security and a bump from his $4.5 million AAV.
Never known as a good defensive player, Mantha was +10 last season and was utilized on the Penguins power play. The Sabres are likely looking for someone who can replace Tuch on the man advantage and at this point less than one week into free agency, the only potential answers on the open market are Mantha, and Buffalo native Patrick Kane.
Follow Michael on X, Instagram @MikeInBuffalo
THN.com/Free
