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Where did former Sabres sign in free agency

The first day of free agency was a busy day for former Sabres, as eight different players signed with new teams. Here are all the new homes for the former Buffalonians. This list will be updated as more signings are announced.

Jhonas Enroth, goalie: 1 year, $1.25 million with Los Angeles

Enroth will be playing in front of a good team for the first time in years, and should see his numbers improve during his time as Jonathan Quick’s backup. He kept the Sabres afloat even with a Swiss cheese defense, but struggled getting much needed wins once he was traded to the Stars.

Michal Neuvirth, goalie: 2 years, $3.25 million with Philadelphia

Neuvirth will try to avoid the kiss of death that has been signing with the Flyers as a goaltender. He’s a nice cost-efficient signing as a backup, and could see time in net if Steve Mason struggles. CSN Phlly says the Flyers also considered Enroth and Lindback, so clearly they have a type.

Andrej Sekera, defenseman: 6 years, $33 million with Edmonton

Sekera was the free agent that commanded the largest overall salary. The Oilers needed a top pair defenseman badly, and they don’t mind if they overpaid a bit. Sekera said on TSN that Connor McDavid was a factor in his decision. He complained about the weather in Buffalo once he was traded. Good luck in Edmonton.

Cody Hodgson, center: 1 year, $1.05 million with Nashville

The Predators take a chance on Hodgson, who the Sabres never mentioned they bought out, by the way. If he can return to form when it comes to offensive production, he could be a solid power play specialist on a talented team.

Anders Lindback, goalie: 1 year, $875k with Arizona

An argument could be made that Lindback played his way into another NHL contract with a strong ending of the season in Buffalo. On the other hand, Arizona may just be adding another piece that will help them tank for Auston Matthews. Now on his fourth team in three-years, Lindback will serve as Mike Smith’s backup.

Matt Hackett, goalie: two years, terms unknown with Anaheim

Hackett suffered a gross leg injury at the end of 2014 that kept him out a majority of this season, but he did return in time to get an opportunity to play in Buffalo. However, he did not play enough games for a contract stipulation to kick in that would have made him a restricted free agent. The Sabres have Andrey Makarov and Nathan Lieuwen from last year’s Americans squad, as well as Linus Ullmark, who will be coming across the Atlantic this season. There wasn’t a spot for Hackett left.

Tyson Strachan, defense: one year, terms unknown with Minnesota

When the Sabres signed Strachan, he was expected to be for bolster the Americans blueline. He never ended up playing in the AHL, spending the season with the Sabres. He played 46 games and likely won’t be remembered in the same infamous way as teammates Andrej Meszaros and Andre Benoit.

Zac Dalpe, center: one year, terms unknown with Minnesota

Dalpe was forced into duty for the Sabres this season thanks to a rash of injuries at the end of the year. He spent a majority of the season in Rochester, scoring 16 goals and 12 assists in 44 games. In 21 games with Buffalo he had a goal and two assists. There will definitely be a logjam when it comes to forward call-ups in Buffalo this season, so it isn’t surprising that Dalpe and the Sabres decided to part ways. Dalpe was originally a restricted free agent, but Buffalo decided to not give him a qualifying offer.

Kevin Porter, center: one year, $575k with Pittsburgh

It feels like centuries ago that Porter was a Sabre despite only being one year. He spent two seasons in the organization, serving a majority of his time as the Americans captain. He played 43 games in Buffalo, scoring four goals and six assists. He signed with his hometown Red Wings this season, spending the entire year with their AHL affiliate Grand Rapids.

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