Sabres Have Fascinating PTO Target in Ex-Top Prospect

   

The Buffalo Sabres should extend a PTO offer to this former first-rounder.

The Buffalo Sabres have had an eventful offseason this year. They notably bolstered their forward depth, adding Jason Zucker, Sam Lafferty, Ryan McLeod, Beck Malenstyn, and Nicolas Aube-Kubel. However, when looking at their current group, it would not hurt for them to add another skilled winger to their depth. 

When looking at the current players still available on the free-agent market, one forward who could be worth taking a shot on with a professional tryout (PTO) contract is Filip Zadina. 

Zadina was selected by the Detroit Red Wings with the sixth overall pick of the 2018 NHL Entry Draft. Since then, the former top prospect has had trouble hitting his full potential, but he has shown signs that he could be a decent secondary scorer. For example, during this past season with the San Jose Sharks, he had 13 goals - a new career high - to go along with 23 points. 


Filip Zadina

© Robert Edwards-USA TODAY Sports

With the Sabres needing more skill, there would be no harm in them taking a chance on Zadina with a PTO. If he impressed during training camp and earned a contract, he would offer them another forward for their bottom six. Furthermore, considering that he is still only 24 years old, the possibility of him improving his offense a bit more is there. 

Overall, Zadina is one player worth considering if the Sabres go down the PTO route. Whether it is the Sabres or another team, Zadina should be able to find a new home in the near future.