3 PTO signings Buffalo Sabres may consider before preseason starts feat. Kevin Lankinen

The Buffalo Sabres will be looking to get back into the playoff conversation this upcoming season after a tough season last year. The Sabres were expected to get back into the postseason picture in the Eastern Conference but missed the playoffs for a 13th-straight year.

Following a coaching change, there’s a chance the Buffalo Sabres could find a winning formula, especially with a young team loaded with talent.

As such, adding veteran talent could help put the team over the top. Here’s a look at three PTO signings the Sabres could consider as training camp is right around the corner.

3 PTO signings Buffalo Sabres may consider before preseason starts

#1. Kevin Labanc

Labanc played the final year of a four-year deal with the San Jose Sharks last season. However, things didn’t go well in San Jose, as Labanc managed just two goals and nine points in 46 games.

While it was a dreadful season for the Sharks last year, a change of scenery could help Labanc bounce back. Moreover, he could play a meaningful middle-six role for the Buffalo Sabres if he has a strong camp.

Last year, Labanc earned a $4.725 million cap hit. This time around, something like a one-year, show-me deal could motivate Labanc to work toward earning one more multi-year deal.

#2. Pierre-Edouard Bellemare

Bellemare spent last season with the Seattle Kraken. The veteran forward played 40 games, chipping in seven points. While those numbers may seem underwhelming, the 39-year-old can still pack a punch. That’s an important feature to include in a young roster filled with relatively inexperienced talent.

Last season, Bellemare played on a one-year, $775K deal. A deal like that could easily land Bellemare with the Sabres, giving the club a solid fourth-line option. If Bellemare fails to impress, there might be a chance he could agree to an AHL deal, allowing him to stay with the organization as a potential call-up.

#3. Kevin Lankinen

Lankinen backed up Juuse Saros in Nashville last season. In 24 games, Lankinen posted a 2.82 GAA and a .908 SV%. Those are solid numbers for a backup goaltender who could provide a veteran presence behind the Buffalo Sabres’ young netminders Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and Devon Levi.

While Luukkonen projects to be the unquestionable starter, Levi may need some support handling the backup role. In fact, Levi could benefit from getting more regular playing time in the AHL. As such, having a veteran backup like Lankinen could prove useful.

Last year, Lankinen signed a one-year, $2 million with the Predators. Perhaps something closer to $1 million could get Lankinen in Buffalo to perform as a valuable insurance policy.