The Buffalo Sabres have signed restricted free agent forward Brett Murray to a one-year contract worth $750K for the 2022-23 season. He was eligible for arbitration but did not file by yesterday’s deadline, suggesting that a deal was close.
Murray, 23, was a fourth-round pick of the Sabres in 2016, an interesting blend of size and skill that hadn’t played above the CCHL level. His development was a slow process, going through the USHL, two unsuccessful years at Penn State, back to the USHL, and then two years in the minor leagues, before becoming a semi-regular with the Sabres last season.
In 19 NHL games, he scored two goals and six points while racking up 23 penalty minutes, using that 6’5″ frame to his advantage. With a strong performance in the minor leagues as well, there’s a real chance that Murray could secure a roster spot this season with the Sabres, at least as a bottom-six option for head coach Don Granato.
One thing that will hurt that chase is the fact that despite being arbitration-eligible, Murray is still waiver-exempt. He can be sent to the minor leagues without issue, meaning he may end up with Rochester to start the year as the Sabres figure out their optimal lineup. Still, with the focus on players like Dylan Cozens, Peyton Krebs, and Jack Quinn (not to mention Matthew Savoie, Jiri Kulich, and Noah Ostlund) as the future up front in Buffalo, a player like Murray could quickly become a valuable piece to fit lower in the lineup.