Report: Schenn & Stanley Not Returning to Buffalo Sabres

Short and sweet with the Sabres.

After a mid-season trade which saw the Buffalo Sabres give up valuable assets, both defencemen Luke Schenn and Logan Stanley are set to hit the free-agent market on July 1. While it was surprising to see how much the Sabres gave up to land both d-men from the Winnipeg Jets, it turned out to not be a great fit as neither blueliner was in their Game 7 lineup against the Montreal Canadiens.

Schenn, 36, isn't the most mobile defender, but his game is built on positioning and physicality. Schenn's expected to want to return to the NHL for another season next year, and don't be surprised to see him sign a league minimum contract to join his brother on the New York Islanders. If Schenn doesn't end up with his brother on Long Island, look for the Vancouver Canucks, Calgary Flames, San Jose Sharks, and Seattle Kraken to appeal to the veteran defenceman.

As for Stanley, the 6-foot-7 towering presence had a career year. Stanley's set to hit the open market and will be looking for a long-term contract with some stability, both financially and in regards to playing time. Stanley's been a late bloomer for a former first-round pick, but with his size, skating ability, and willingness to stick up for himself and his teammates, there's going to be a ton of interest in his services. Don't be shocked to see the Sharks and Toronto Maple Leafs have interest. 

The Sabres don't have much for cap space and they're expected to make some significant changes to their roster, while also currently working on a contract extension for pending free-agent forward Alex Tuch. Tuch would be one of the biggest fish on the market this summer, but Buffalo is doing everything in it's power to avoid losing Tuch for nothing. 

Don't be surprised to see the Sabres try to trade Devon Levi, and potentially Owen Power this summer as well.

Photo credit:  Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images