5 free agents the Sabres can sign to get back to the playoffs

4. Evander Kane

Buffalo Sabres fans are familiar with Evander Kane. He was on the team for the last two seasons before being traded at this year’s deadline. Since joining the San Jose Sharks, Kane has been terrific. He sparked their offense and carried them into the playoffs. When Kane was traded, he left a big hole in the Sabres offense and they struggled to replace him. There are some talented young players in the pipeline for the Sabres that could play on the wing. Justin Bailey, Nick Baptiste and Alexander Nylander are the next waves of forwards that will try to replace Kane’s spot. However, if the Sabres want to make it back to the playoffs next season they need a sure-fire fit. Kane showed great chemistry with Jack Eichel in his time with Buffalo. Reuniting those two could solve the issues the Sabres are having with scoring goals from the wing.

The bad news for the Sabres is how well Kane has played. Every goal he scores he is adding money to his next contract. The other factor for the Sabres to consider is their trade with the San Jose Sharks. The Sabres received a conditional first-round pick that depends on whether or not Kane resigns with the Sharks. General Manager Jason Botterill will need to decide whether or not it is worth it to pay Kane and lose the chance to add a first-round pick or to hope San Jose re-signs him and get the first round pick.