Buffalo Sabres' Offseason Pt. One: Unrestricted and Restricted Free Agents

(Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images)

After the Buffalo Sabres finished off their second-straight disappointing season, managing partner Larry Quinn said the team would conduct a "thorough evaluation" to determine the reasoning for the team's downfall.

Just a week removed from that statement, it was announced that both General Manager Darcy Regier and Head Coach Lindy Ruff would be retained.

Now, weeks later, Sabres faithful are pondering what will happen next this offseason. It is obviously painful to watch the NHL Playoffs, especially when the team you root for isn't one of the 16 teams battling for Lord Stanley's Cup.

The Sabres should make plenty of offseason moves to ensure their fans improvement in the 2009-10 season. I mean, why not? I'm not saying the team needs to rebuild by any means, but last season after almost expectantly missing the playoffs after the Drury-Briere folly, Regier and Co. followed suit by having a pretty mediocre summer, trading for captain Craig Rivet.

Yes, Rivet was a decent addition. Heck, the team was reluctant enough to slap the "C" on his chest just weeks after his arrival.

And let's not forget how the front office reworked a few deals to keep core players around for years to come. Ryan Miller, Jason Pominville, Jochen Hecht, Paul Gaustad, and Daniel Paille all signed new deals a year ago. At the time we applauded their persistence to get deals done, and it seemed as though most fans were appreciative of a rather busy offseason.

This time around, the Sabres have a lot more work to do. They should not settle for minor changes. The team has missed the playoffs for two straight years since winning the Presidents' Trophy three seasons ago.

Regier has to make the decision on six unrestricted free agents and five restricted free agents. Some easier decisions than others, obviously, but a busy offseason nonetheless. Also, fans are hoping "other" changes will be made, via trade, or by making additions through free agency, or promotions within the organization. 

Since this has been a very popular topic among you Bleacher Creatures, I decided I'd join in the guessing game.

I am going to try and be as realistic as possible, but also I will try to discuss all the possible scenarios the Sabres may be evaluating as we speak. In a three-part article, I will discuss the Sabres' free agents, both restricted and unrestricted, possible free agents the Sabres may target, possible players on the trade market, and also prospects within the organization, who may be on the brink of becoming stars in the NHL.

Unrestricted Free Agents

Maxim Afinogenov, 28, RW; 2008-09 salary: $3.5 million

Probably the easiest decision this offseason for the Sabres is to part ways with the Russian speedster. Just three years ago he led the team in points halfway through the season before a wrist fracture put him in the press box. Since then he has been more than a disappointment. He had just 48 points in 104 games in two seasons, and spent plenty of time as a healthy scratch during that time period.

Bon voyage, Maxim.

Andrew Peters, 28, LW; 2008-09 salary:$550,000

I read other day that every NHL team needs a fighter. Well, in the Sabres' case, Andrew Peters would be that guy right? He played 28 games last season averaging a little over four minutes of ice time and accumulating 80 PIMs.

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?