The Buffalo Sabres should be in the market for an impact top-six forward after dealing winger JJ Peterka to the Utah Mammoth for defenseman Michael Kesselring and winger Josh Doan, but the opening weeks of free agency did not provide GM Kevyn Adams with an opportunity to replace Peterka’s production, and with the two-year deal signed earlier this month with defenseman Bowen Byram, Adams will have to try to acquire a scoring forward with younger players, prospects, and/or draft picks.
The name of Calgary winger Joel Farabee has been linked to the Sabres in the past, going back to his days with the Philadelphia Flyers. Farabee was a 2018 first round pick out of the US National Development Program and turned pro after one NCAA season at Boston University. After playing briefly in the AHL, he played 52 games as a 19-year-old rookie with the Flyers, and as a sophomore posted 20 goals in the post-COVID 56-game 2020-21 season.
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Philadelphia was proactive and signed the winger to a six-year, $30 million extension, but the next few seasons saw a regression in his game due to injuries and a lack of confidence brought about by Flyers head coach John Tortorella. After a career-high 22 goals in 2023.24, the Syracuse native was dealt to the Flames mostly to clear the final three years of his contract off their books.
Calgary is looking to challenge for a playoff spot, but there continues to be chatter that players like veteran center Nazem Kadri and defenseman Rasmus Andersson (who is entering the final year of his contract) could be dealt if the Flames show signs of not being in the mix.
What Would It Cost?
The Sabres could see an opportunity to bring in a Western New York native at a favorable number and cost certainty the next three seasons for a reasonable return. If the Flames shop Farabee, they could have interest in younger forwards who they would give more of an opportunity to. An almost perfect fit might be Calgary native Peyton Krebs, who was rumored to be a target of Philadelphia and could pique the interest of Flames GM Craig Conroy.
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