The Buffalo Sabres could have a veteran forward worth a look if they decide to dip into the PTO market before training camp.
David Perron stands out as one of the more intriguing UFAs still available, and he fits the kind of low-risk gamble a team like Buffalo could consider. The idea is simple: invite him to camp on a professional tryout agreement and see whether he can still help a roster that could use more depth up front.
Perron’s most recent stretch with the Detroit Red Wings was rough. After being traded back to Detroit, he played 16 games and finished with three goals and no assists. That late-season dip is part of the reason he’s still sitting there as a free agent.
But the earlier part of his 2025-26 season tells a different story. Before the move, Perron was producing for the Ottawa Senators, putting up 10 goals, 15 assists and 25 points in 49 games. Those numbers point to a player who was still driving offense as a dependable top-nine winger.
For Buffalo, that makes the fit easy to understand. A PTO would give the Sabres a chance to evaluate a proven veteran without making a commitment right away. If Perron turns heads in camp, he could earn a contract and become a useful piece in the bottom six.
He would also bring something beyond the scoresheet. Perron could serve as a mentor for younger Sabres players, and he comes with the kind of championship experience that can matter in a locker room. He has won the Stanley Cup before, and that alone adds to the appeal of bringing him in for a closer look.
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