2021 Player Report Card: Riley Sheahan

Total Season stats: 53 GP, 4 G, 9 A, 13 PTS

Age: 29

Contract Status: UFA

Riley Sheahan joined the Buffalo Sabres at the start of training camp on a professional try-out contract. After the season-ending injury to Zemgus Girgensons, he was given a one-year league minimum contract.

The 29-year-old forward turned into a useful player for the Sabres this past season. He was a good bottom-six forward for the club and was a key player for them on the penalty kill.

His actual production this season was nothing to write home about. He scored four goals and 13 points in 53 games. That works out to six goals and 20 points over 82 games, Which would have matched his highest point production pace since the 2017-18 season.

All things considered, Kevyn Adams should be pleased with what he got out of Sheahan this season. He provided both Ralph Krueger and DonGranato some versatility at forward. He was able to play a fourth-line role at either center or the wing.

The downside to Sheahan is that there isn’t a lot to break down within his game. He’s a fourth-liner that just plays the role he’s asked.

It seems unlikely that Sheahan returns to the Sabres, but crazier things have happened. He’ll be an unrestricted free agent this summer.

Season Grade: B-