In his sixth pro season, forward Josh Dunne finally stuck in the NHL. Other than a one-game stint with the Rochester Americans in October, he spent all year in Buffalo, playing a career-high 34 games as he established himself as a versatile and rugged presence on the Sabres’ fourth line.
On another team, the affable Dunne, 27, might’ve enjoyed more regular duty. But the Sabres possessed depth up front, so he moved in and out of the lineup last season.
If he had re-signed with the Sabres, he would’ve faced a stiff competition for a roster spot.
So after free agency opened July 1, he signed a one-year, one-way contract worth $850,000 with Washington, joining former Sabres winger Alex Tuch, who was sent to the Capitals in a sign-and-trade deal.
Dunne, who played two games in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, could have an opportunity to earn more consistent action in Washington.
Offseason updates on some former Sabres and Buffalo-area players are below.
– Defenseman Luke Schenn signed a one-year, $2.25 million contract to return to Vancouver for his third stint with the Canucks.
Schenn, 37, played six total games, including two in the postseason, after arriving in a deadline trade with the Winnipeg Jets.
The Sabres acquired the 18-year veteran to add depth and experience as they began their first playoff run in 15 years.
– Defenseman Jacob Bryson, who was dealt to Winnipeg in the trade that brought Schenn and defenseman Logan Stanley to Buffalo, signed a one-year, $850,000 contract with the Detroit Red Wings.
Bryson, 28, played 15 games for the Jets. He played 289 contests for the Sabres over six seasons.
Stanley hasn’t signed a new contract.
– Defenseman Connor Clifton, who spent last season with the Pittsburgh Penguins, signed a two-year, $4.5 million contract to return to Boston, where he began his career with the Bruins.
The Sabres inked Clifton, 31, to a three-year, $9.99 million deal win 2023 before trading him to the Penguins last summer.
– Forward Sam Lafferty signed a one-year, $850,000 contract with the Florida Panthers.
The Sabres inked Lafferty, 31, to a two-year, $4 million deal in 2024 before trading him to the Chicago Blackhawks last summer.
– Winger Brett Murray, who spent last season with the Nurnberg Ice Tigers in the Deutsche Eishockey Liga, signed a one-year contract with Shanghai Dragons in the Kontinental Hockey League.
Murray, 28, played 26 games with the Sabres over parts of four seasons. He spent six years with Rochester.
Some local players have recently found work overseas.
– Williamsville native Andrew Poturalski and Youngstown native Joseph Cecconi both re-signed with Avangard Omsk, a KHL team.
Poturalski, 32, is a high-scoring center and arguably the best player outside of the NHL. Cecconi, 29, is a sturdy defenseman.
– Williamsville native Justin Bailey signed a one-year contract with Barys Astana, a KHL team.
The winger, 31, spent last season with the San Diego Gulls, the Anaheim Ducks’ AHL affiliate.