Buffalo Sabres get to work on strengthening the blue line

The Buffalo Sabres have taken the first step in bolstering their defense, by signing Lawrence Pilut to a two-year, entry-level deal.

The Buffalo Sabres need help on the blue line. This much is clear after finishing bottom of the standings, in large part thanks to allowing the third-most goals in the NHL.

And the Sabres’ need to strengthen the defense has become only more important, with the recent speculation regarding Victor Antipin‘s future. According to CBS Sports, he will return to Russia and play in the KHL next season.

If true, this news is a shame, although the reality is the Sabres never fully utilized Antipin. Although not as important, Josh Gorges and Justin Falk could also be set to leave as unrestricted free agents.

Part of the issue should be resolved in the upcoming draft, when Buffalo is expected to select Rasmus Dahlin with the first overall pick. He has been described as a franchise-changing defenseman.

More from Buffalo Sabres

However, Dahlin isn’t the only Swedish blue-liner headed to Western New York. As reported by WGR 550‘s Paul Hamilton, the Sabres have signed Lawrence Pilut to a two-year, entry-level contract.

This move should come as little surprise, given that earlier reports indicated the Sabres had already agreed a deal with Pilut. However, nothing could be announced until the conclusion of the 2018 IIHF World Championship.

Although slightly on the small side, this has not stopped the 22-year-old’s promising development. He is coming off a season where he was named Defenseman of the Year in the Swedish Hockey League.

Somewhat surprisingly aggressive on the blue line (given his build), Pilut has also shown himself to be extremely adept at the other end of the ice. He easily set career-highs during the 2017/18 season, in goals (8), assists (30) and overall points (38).

As per Hamilton, the Tingsryd, Sweden native’s 30 assists were good enough for fifth-highest in the league. For his career in the SHL, he has 71 overall points (15 goals and 56 assists) in 191 games.

Understandably, there will be concerns about Pilut’s ability to deal with the physicality and grind of the NHL. However, he has done more than enough to earn the opportunity to prove himself.

Intriguingly, the 2017 SHL champion is a left-hand shot like Dahlin. As per John Vogl of The Buffalo News, the two Swedes will be competing with the likes of Marco Scandella, Brendan Guhle, Jake McCabe and Nathan Beaulieu for playing time on the left side of the blue line.

Next: 3 realistic reasons to pursue John Tavares

Will Pilut succeed at the NHL level? Only time will tell, but it’s extremely tough to argue with this move by the Buffalo Sabres.

Home/Buffalo Sabres