The 2026 NHL free-agent class is not a star-studded group, but there could be value to be mined.The Buffalo Sabres aren’t flush with cap space heading into the summer. With roughly $12 million in space before making any moves, the Sabres aren’t in a position to be big spenders in free agency. Trades might be the better route for them to reimagine their roster over the next few weeks.But some pending unrestricted free agents would fit what Buffalo could be looking for. The tricky part of nailing down the right fits is figuring out who stays and who goes from the Sabres’ lineup. If they try to replace Alex Tuch, who would be the top free-agent forward on the market, the Sabres will be targeting a different player than if they lose Beck Malenstyn to free agency.All contract projections are via AFP Analytics.Bobby McMannAge: 30
2025-26 stats: 78 GP, 29 G, 46 PTS, 15:56 ATOI
Projected contract: 4 years, $5,304,000 AAVMcMann picked a good time to have the best season of his career. The 30-year-old had 29 goals and 17 assists, both career highs. The season prior, he hit the 20-goal mark for the first time. He’s one of the fastest skaters in the NHL and is an effective forechecker. He might not be as dangerous off the rush as Tuch has been, but McMann has shown a solid finishing touch over the last few seasons and has the tenacity and speed that would fit nicely in Buffalo’s lineup.Viktor ArvidssonAge: 33
