After a disastrous season last year, the Buffalo Sabres are looking to get back into the playoff race this upcoming season. The Sabres were expected to return to postseason contention in the Eastern Conference, but they missed the playoffs for the 13th consecutive year.

With a coaching change under their belt, the Buffalo Sabres have a chance to find a winning formula, especially with a team loaded with young talent.

And then, adding veteran talent could help the team get over the top. Here’s a look at three PTO autograph signings the Sabres could consider as training camp approaches.

3 PTO Signings Buffalo Sabres May Consider Before Preseason Starts

#1. Kevin Labanc

Labanc played the final year of a four-year stint with the San Jose Sharks last season. However, things didn’t go well in San Jose as Labanc managed just two goals and nine points in 46 games.

While it was a horror season for the Sharks last year, that change of scenery could help Labanc bounce back. Plus, if he has a strong camp he could be playing a meaningful middle-six role for the Buffalo Sabres.

While last year, Labanc earned a cap hit of $4.725 million, this time around, a one-year show-me deal could energize Labanc to work toward securing another multi-year deal.

#2. Pierre-Edouard Bellemare

And that’s exactly what Bellemare spent last season with the Seattle Kraken. The veteran forward played 40 games and scored seven points. While those numbers may seem disappointing, the 39-year-old can still make strong statements. That’s an important unique addition to a young roster filled with talent with relatively few results.

Last season, Bellemare played on a one-year, $775K deal. That kind of contract could easily tie Bellemare to the Sabres, giving the club a solid fourth-line option. And if Bellemare fails to convert, there’s a chance he could agree to an AHL deal that would allow him to remain with the Association as an undrafted call-up.

#3. Kevin Lankinen

And when Lankinen replaced Juuse Saros in Nashville last season, he posted a 2.82 GAA and .908 SV% in 24 games. Those are solid numbers for a backup goaltender who has been a veteran presence behind the Buffalo Sabres’ young netminders Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and Devon Levi.

While Luukkonen undoubtedly figures to be a starter, Levi is going to need some leeway to carve out a backup role. Realistically, Levi could benefit from getting more regular playing time in the AHL. Thus, having an experienced backup like Lankinen could prove to be handy.

And while Lankinen signed a one-year, $2 million deal with the Predators last year, perhaps anything closer to $1 million could serve as an invaluable insurance policy to ensure Lankinen shows up in Buffalo.