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

2. Ian Cole

The Buffalo Sabres’ defensive core is its biggest weakness. There is a lot of question marks on the blue line. Zach Bogosian has not been healthy enough since he was acquired in a trade to judge his play. Jake McCabe was hurt for the majority of the season. Rasmus Ristolainen did not have a very good season and the organization will be hoping for him to rebound. Brendan Guhle is a promising piece for the future and Marco Scandella has been the best defenseman on the team. What is missing is a reliable veteran presence with winning experience.

Ian Cole would be that fit for the Buffalo Sabres. He will be turning 30 during next season, so the Sabres will want to avoid anything long-term. Cole has won two Stanley Cups with the Pittsburgh Penguins — that winning experience and veteran presence would go a long way in the Sabres locker room. Out of all of the veterans, the Sabres have few with playoff experience, and  even fewer have won. The good news for the Sabres is that Cole still is capable of high-level play. He is not a flashy player that will light up a scoreboard but he keeps the team moving in the right direction.

Pairing a strong defensive defenseman who is responsible in his own zone with a player like Brendan Guhle or Casey Nelson would allow them to play to their strengths. Both of the young defensemen are great at carrying the puck and leading a breakout. Cole would provide stability and defensive security.