Sabres, Larsson Agree to One Year Deal

The Buffalo Sabres and forward Johan Larsson have agreed to a new one-year deal.

The new contract has a cap hit of $950,000, which is a $150,000 raise over last season. Larsson also avoids becoming a restricted free agent this summer. Once the new deal expires in the summer of 2017, he will again be a restricted free agent. The one year deal makes sense for both sides, Larsson get a nice raise and the Sabres have another year to see what he can do on the ice. Another reason this was a good deal for both sides was because this was Larsson’s first full NHL season, and Buffalo can see what kind of player he will develop into with more experience.

In 74 games played last season, the forward has 10 goals, seven assists, 17 points and was a minus four. Five of the 10 goals he scored were game-winning goals, which tied Jack Eichel for the team lead. Larsson averaged 14:49 of ice time per game last year and won 51.1% of the face offs that he took, which was second best on the Sabres. He had 113 hits, 33 blocks, 21 takeaways and 16 giveaways.

He was used at even strength, on the power play and did some penalty killing last season. He had one power play goal to go with four power play points. Larsson was used as a third-line center and only had three multiple point games all season. The center has the ability to play a solid two-way game in a shutdown role. He can play at either the center position or the wing. His overall game needs improvement since he lacks consistency in his game.

Larsson was acquired in the Jason Pominville trade with the Minnesota Wild in  2013. In 142 games played for the Sabres , Larsson has 37 points to go with 58 penalty minutes.