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.Â
We are continuing to look at potential options for the Sabres, now that veteran Patrick Kane has returned with Chicago. 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.
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Who will step up to replace Tuch’s scoring?
Kekalainen ideally is looking for someone who could make up as much of the 60-to-70 point production that he lost with Tuch, or someone who can fill the leadership gap and/or add some snarl and sandpaper to the middle-six, with the trade of Jordan Greenway to Chicago. Â
Smith is a five-time 20 goal scorer who netted 16 goals with the Vegas Golden Knights last season. The 35-year-old was a spot player for Vegas during their run to the Cup Final, playing only seven of their 22 post-season contests, and is not the scorer he was earlier in his career, but could still play a middle-six role on the right side, while others on the Sabres (Jack Quinn) could move up into the top six.Â
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This late in August, with less than a month before training camp, it is possible that the veteran winger would be open to a PTO, but with possibly a couple teams looking to add a Stanley Cup winner to their roster, a league-minimum deal may be necessary.Â
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