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Mike Babcock, expected to become the biggest free agent in hockey, will have his pick of employment from several eager suitors. All will offer millions of dollars. But Detroit’s coach has made it clear he needs more.
“You’ve got to have big-time players up the middle and on the back to be successful,” Babcock said after the Red Wings’ season ended Wednesday night.
Though their centers and defensemen are young, the Sabres have the pieces Babcock desires.
Jack Eichel is set to join Sam Reinhart and Zemgus Girgensons as the Sabres’ top centers. Zach Bogosian, Rasmus Ristolainen and Nikita Zadorov are blue-liners drafted in the first 16 picks.