(Links here: To the current lineup, via Dailyfaceoff. To the current salary situation, via NHLNumbers. To the prospect pool, via Hockeysfuture.)
Their total cap hit this year is only 62 million, meaning they already have room for FAs. Once again, here is the link to an FA list.[Like last time, it will be Name (Years/Average Cap Hit in millions). 1y = UFA unless noted otherwise.]
Forwards - I've bolded key players, either in terms of salary or prospect.
M. Moulson (5y/5m) - J. Larsson (1y/.81m, RFA) - T. Ennis (5y/4.6m)
M. Foligno (2y/1.825m) - M. Grigorenko (1y/.925m, RFA) - B. Gionta (3y/4.25m)
N. Deslauriers (2y/.637m, RFA) - P. Varone (1y/.595m, RFA) - P. Kaleta (2y/1.25m)
C. Hodgson (5y/4.25m) - M. Ellis (1y/.55m) - Z. Dalpe (1y/.7m, RFA)
Defense
Z. Bogosian (6y/5.143m) - R. Ristolainen (2y/.925m, RFA)
A. Meszaros (1y/4.125m) - T. Strachan (1y/.625m)
A. Benoit (1y/.8m) - N. Zadorov (3y/.9~m, RFA)
Goalies
A. Lindback (1y/.925m)
A. Makarov (2y/.578m)
Injured - All are particularly important for Buffalo
E. Kane (4y/5.25m), J. Gorges (4y/3.9m), Z. Girgensons (2y/.9~m, RFA), M. Weber (2y/1.667m)
Draft picks: Two 1st rounders (either StL or NYI, whichever is worse), two 2nd rounders (NYI), one of all other rounds (3rd rounder is NYI).
Current coach: Ted Nolan
The Sabres also have some very important prospects. Grigorenko & Girgensons accompany Sam Reinhart as a very strong trio of centers, along with the likely McEichel pick coming up. They have some decent prospects otherwise, but none that seem surefire high-quality players; instead, a lot of good depth.
What do you do, Mr/Mrs. GM?