Buyout Candidates – Nine Names To Watch

Ville Leino, Buffalo Sabres

Apr 3, 2014; St. Louis, MO, USA; Buffalo Sabres left wing Ville Leino (23) controls the puck as St. Louis Blues left wing Jaden Schwartz (9) pressures during the third period at the Scottrade Center. The Blues defeated the Sabres 2-1 and set a franchise record for wins in a season with 52. Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports

Rumored to be on the list last season, he somehow escaped the buyout window.  However, after another incredibly disappointing season where he went scoreless in 58 games, recording just 16 assists, his name would have to be near the front of the line this summer.  As dreadful as the Sabres were, they can ill afford to have Leino soaking up $4.5M in cap space for the next 3 seasons.

Tyler Myers might also be a candidate for a buyout, but the Sabres used one of their 2 allotted buyouts on Nathan Gerbe last season, and Myers is still young enough and talented enough to turn his play of late around.

BUYOUT DETAILS:  $1,222,222 per season for 6 years.