The Sabres should consider taking a shot on this veteran winger.
The Buffalo Sabres have made several additions to their forward group this offseason, but they still could not be done yet. When looking at their roster, one of their most significant needs is a top-six winger.
Unfortunately, things are a bit tough on that front right now. All the top wingers of this year's free agency class have found new homes, and it is hard to determine how many of the top trade candidates will actually be moved at this point of the summer. Thus, the Sabres may have to explore other options to boost their forward depth.
If the Sabres cannot land a big-name player through trade like Nikolaj Ehlers, Martin Necas, or Trevor Zegras, they have an interesting bargain player to consider: Max Pacioretty.
Max Pacioretty
After tearing his Achilles twice during his five-game stint with the Carolina Hurricanes in 2022-23, Pacioretty returned to the ice last season with the Washington Capitals. Overall, his production was lower, but he still had decent numbers. In 47 games, he had four goals and 23 points.
If the Sabres added Pacioretty to a one-year, prove-it deal, he would give them another skilled option for their top nine. In addition, given his offensive skill, he would also be a candidate for some power-play time.
There is also some hope that he could get his production up a bit more next season. Given the severity of his injuries, he naturally had to shake some rust to shake off last year. Perhaps another offseason of rest could help him on that front.
Furthermore, given Pacioretty's past success, he may be worth taking a flier on. Before his injuries, Pacioretty posted 43 goals and 88 points in 87 games in 2020-21 and 2021-22 combined with the Vegas Golden Knights. He is also a former Montreal Canadiens captain and All-Star who has plenty of success in the NHL, so he would be worth bringing in due to his experience and leadership as well.
