3 forwards the Sabers need to stay away from in NHL free agency

If there’s one thing Yakov Trenin would give the Sabers, it’s that there may not be another center in this free agent class who could make body checks after body checks. Trenin could also score upwards of 12 goals per campaign – not bad for a bottom lineman in Buffalo – and he’s good at disrupting when an opponent has the puck, with 44 takedowns this season.

A few more accolades for Trenin come at even strength, as he recorded a solid 51.5 Corsi For, a 94.1 on-ice save percentage, and he was on the ice for a total of 41 goals. No, Trenin doesn’t score much or contribute primary and secondary assists, but he’s productive nonetheless.

Overall, Trenin wouldn’t be a bad signing, but this is a case where there would be a few better centers available who would play a more complete game. Trenin wouldn’t add as much depth even if he found the back of the net more than one might think, but the Sabers already have someone with similar style and potential in Peyton Krebs. If the restricted free agent returns to Buffalo this season, there is no reason for the Sabers to have such identical players.

The Sabers also need someone who can be consistent in winning faceoffs, and Trenin hasn’t done that either, with a 45.0 faceoff winning percentage this season, which is 220 draws. I wouldn’t consider Trenin a bad signing if he ended up in Buffalo, but the Sabers need more.

(Statistics provided by Hockey-Réference)