Former Buffalo Sabres Players in the NHL
In the NHL today, several former players of the Buffalo Sabres are currently making their mark across various teams, showcasing a wide range of achievements this season. Our periodic examination of these players begins with an overview of those affiliated with the Central Division’s eight franchises. Notably absent from this list are the Columbus Blue Jackets, New Jersey Devils, New York Islanders, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Washington Capitals, as they currently do not feature any ex-Sabres on their rosters. However, here’s a glimpse at the players from the remaining six teams:
Carolina Hurricanes
Among the Hurricanes, we have Taylor Hall, Eric Robinson, William Carrier, and Mark Jankowski. Taylor Hall, a seasoned winger and a former Hart Trophy recipient, is in his seventh NHL season and has committed to Carolina with a three-year extension that includes a no-movement clause. This season, the 34-year-old has contributed 13 points, netting 5 goals alongside 8 assists over 26 games. Robinson, Carrier, and Jankowski each spent a brief time in Buffalo and are now filling supportive roles for the Hurricanes, with Robinson boasting 5 goals in 20 games, while both Carrier and Jankowski have contributed 1 goal each this season.
New York Rangers
The Rangers feature Conor Sheary and Will Borgen. Sheary returned to Pittsburgh after two seasons with the Sabres and has since made stops at Tampa and Washington before securing a player tryout and subsequently a one-year contract with the Rangers. In 26 games played this season, the 33-year-old has recorded 6 assists. Borgen, who was previously selected by Seattle in the expansion draft after playing parts of two seasons in Buffalo, has recently been traded to New York in exchange for Kaapo Kakko. The 28-year-old has tallied 4 points (2 goals and 2 assists) in 22 appearances.
Philadelphia Flyers
Nicolas Deslauriers and Rasmus Ristolainen represent the former Sabres in Philadelphia. Deslauriers, a veteran enforcer, began his career with Buffalo with four seasons in the organization before moving on through teams such as Montreal, Anaheim, and Minnesota. Now at 34 years old, he primarily occupies a fourth-line position and has played 12 games this season, yet remains scoreless with 17 penalty minutes. Ristolainen, on the other hand, is currently sidelined due to an upper-body injury but has recently resumed skating. The Flyers hope to see the defenseman back in action before the New Year.
