Buffalo Sabres sign several depth players to start NHL free agent market

The NHL free agent market officially opened at noon (ET) on July 1, Canada Day. Several big-name players did not sign with the Buffalo Sabres, but they did sign a few key players.

Forward Jason Zucker, center Sam Lafferty and forward Nicolas Aube-Kubel headline the team’s signings today.

Zucker is the biggest name of the three. He has scored 20 or more goals multiple times in the league, including 27 goals with Pittsburgh in 2022-23. Last year, he was a depth piece for Nashville, appearing in just 18 games. He is considered a center/left winger who can slide up and down the lines. He has played in 697 career regular-season games and 52 playoff games. He is also a King Clancy Trophy winner.

Lafferty is a fast, aggressive and very physical forward who can play center. Last year, he played the most games of his career in a single season, 79. He is expected to be a fourth-line player.

Nicolas Aube-Kubel is a speedy, defensive-minded winger who most recently played for the Capitals. The Sabres needed more players in their bottom six with that kind of mindset, and Aube-Kubel is one of the best defensive forwards in the league.

Bryson was recently released by the Sabres because his qualifying offer was reportedly $1.9 million. Bryson, a good option at No. 7 defenseman, is coming in for $900,000.

Gilbert is a local product the Sabres are looking at. He has played a few games in the league but has yet to crack a full-time roster.

The Sabres also signed defenseman Jack Rathbone to a two-way contract. He played significant minutes for Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the American Hockey League last season.