5 Buffalo Sabres Players Who Won't Be Back in 2014

By Tyler

Buffalo Sabres Look to Send Unwanted Players Packing

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The Buffalo Sabres were absolutely awful during the 2013-14 NHL season, as they ranked 25th in goals against, 30th in goals for, 20th in penalty kill percentage, 29th in power play efficiency and had the fewest points in the NHL. Suffice to say, Buffalo is a team that needs to send a number of players packing, and these five players will surely not be coming back for the 2014-15 season.

5. John Scott

John Scott buffalo sabres
Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

5. John Scott

John Scott buffalo sabres
Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

John Scott really brings nothing to Buffalo besides being a fighter, and this was displayed perfectly by his totals of one goal, zero assists and 6:45 of ice time per game. Scott is going to be an unrestricted free agent this offseason, which provides the perfect opportunity to Buffalo to move on and allow youngsters to play big minutes.

4. Matt D'Agostini

Matt D'Agostini buffalo sabres
Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

4. Matt D'Agostini

Matt D'Agostini buffalo sabres
Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

Matt D'Agostini is a player who finds himself in a peculiar situation, as he isn't nearly big or physical enough to be an effective bottom six forward and he isn't consistent enough to be a top-six forward. D'Agostini only compiled 11 points in 49 games this season, and at 27 years old he likely has hit his ceiling already. With unrestricted free agency impending, the Sabres will move on from D'Agostini this summer.

3. Zenon Konopka

zenon konopka buffalo sabres
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3. Zenon Konopka

zenon konopka buffalo sabres
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Zenon Konopka is another big bodied forward with virtually no offensive skill, but he isn't afraid to fight. Unfortunately, this type of player is becoming obsolete in the current NHL, and his totals of one goal and two assists in 59 games is abysmal even for a fourth line player. The 33-year-old will be an unrestricted free agent this summer, and there is no reason to believe he will be playing in Buffalo in the fall.

2. Henrik Tallinder

Henrik Tallinder buffalo sabres
Tom Szczerbowski - USA TODAY Sports

2. Henrik Tallinder

Henrik Tallinder buffalo sabres
Tom Szczerbowski - USA TODAY Sports

Tallinder actually has a relatively bright future in the NHL, as he has a big frame, isn't afraid to throw the body and brings a veteran presence in the locker room. The real issue is that there is little reason to believe Tallinder will want to spend the final years of his career in Buffalo rather than trying to win his first Stanley Cup. Look for the 35-year-old to sign elsewhere this summer.

1. Ville Leino

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1. Ville Leino

Buffalo Sabres ville leino
Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

Leino has been an unmitigated disaster since signing with Buffalo in 2011, compiling 46 points over 137 games played. Despite three years remaining on the 30-year-old's contract at .5 million per year, Buffalo general manager Tim Murray has already stated that a buyout is very likely. All Sabres fans could agree that this buyout was a long time coming.

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