Buffalo Sabres
· 2026-07-11
Buffalo Sabres are already sitting second in the Eastern Conference with a 50‑23 record and a one‑game winning streak, but the front office isn’t done. The team has identified three remaining unrestricted free agents—Patrick Kane, Anthony Mantha and Vladimir Tarasenko—as potential upgrades for a roster that already looks playoff‑ready.
Patrick Kane, a future Hall of Famer, could slide straight into Buffalo’s top six. The 33‑year‑old posted 16 goals and 57 points in 67 games for Detroit last season, showing he can still produce at a high level. Bringing a Buffalo native home would also give fans a hometown hero to rally around.
Anthony Mantha offers size and scoring punch that the Sabres lack after Alex Tuch’s injury‑plagued campaign. The 6‑foot‑5 forward tallied career‑best numbers—33 goals, 31 assists and 64 points—in 81 games with Pittsburgh. At 27, he’s entering his prime and could fill the void on the left wing with a physical presence and a reliable shot.
Vladimir Tarasenko, now 34, posted a respectable bounce‑back year with Minnesota, netting 23 goals and 47 points in 75 games. While he’s past his peak, his two Stanley Cup rings and veteran poise could stabilize Buffalo’s second line, especially on the power play where his one‑timer is still dangerous.
The Sabres have already locked in key pieces like Jack Eichel and Tage Thompson, but depth remains an issue. Adding any of these UFAs would give Buffalo a stronger second line and more options on the power play, which could be the difference between a first‑round exit and a deep run. Plus, the market is thinning; waiting could mean losing out on affordable talent.
All three players command significant cap space. Kane’s recent contract with Detroit was a five‑year, $55 million deal; Mantha’s last extension was $6 million per year; Tarasenko’s most recent deal was $7.5 million annually. The Sabres will need to juggle these numbers against their current commitments while staying under the $82.5 million cap.
If Kane signs, he could pair with Eichel on the top line, creating a dynamic duo of speed and experience. Mantha would likely slot beside Tyler Ennis on the left wing, giving the line a power‑forward edge. Tarasenko could take the right‑wing spot on the second line, providing a reliable scorer when the first line rests.
General manager Keith Wheeler and his staff will need to weigh the on‑ice upside against the salary‑cap hit. Negotiations are expected to start within the next week, and Buffalo hopes to announce at least one signing before the July 31 deadline. The Sabres’ fans are already buzzing, and a swift move could keep the momentum rolling as the regular season looms.