Buffalo Sabres Sign Multiple Depth Pieces to Start NHL Free Agency

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NHL Free Agency officially began at noon EST on July 1, Canada Day. It saw several big-name players not sign with the Buffalo Sabes, but they did sign some key depth pieces.

Forward Jason Zucker, Center Sam Lafferty, and forward Nicolas Aube-Kubel highlight the signings made today by the team.

Zucker is the biggest name of these 3. He has scored 20 or more goals multiple times in the league, including 27 goals with Pittsburgh in 22-23. Last year he was a depth piece for Nashville only appearing in 18 games. He's considered a middle 6 forward/Left Winger who can slide up and down the lines. He's played in 697 career regular season games and 52 playoff games. He has won the King Clancy trophy as well.

Lafferty is a fast, nasty, and very physical forward who can play center. Last year he played the most games he's ever played in a single season with 79. He is expected to be a 4th liner.

Nicolas Aube-Kubel is a fast defensive-oriented winger who last played for the Capitals. The Sabres have needed more players in their bottom 6 with this kind of mindset, and Aube-Kubel is one of the better defensive forwards in the league.

Bryson was recently waived by the Sabres because his qualifying offer would have been $1.9 million. Bryson, a good 7th defenseman option, comes back for $900K.

Gilbert is a hometown product that the Sabres are giving a look at. He's played some games in the league but is yet to break into a lineup full-time.

The Sabres have also signed defenseman Jack Rathbone to a 2-way contract. He logged significant minutes for Wilkes-Barre/Scranton in the AHL last year.