6. Buffalo Sabres
For a long, long time, the Buffalo Sabres were struggling to find a consistent core to take them back to the Stanley Cup Playoffs, but in 2025/26, things finally broke their way, and not only did they get back to the post-season, but they were moments away from clinching a spot in the Eastern Conference Finals.
Next season, they'll look to take the next step, but first, they've got a massive summer ahead of them, with the team having arguably the biggest pending free agent in the NHL in Alex Tuch. As of the latest reports, Tuch and the Sabres are a fair way apart in contract conversations, and if that remains the case, they may be looking for more veteran help up front.
Who better then to pick up than a 34-year-old with 65 post-season games under his belt who kills penalties and provides clutch goal scoring? On top of that, the Sabres have plenty of draft picks and young assets to part ways with, and while they may look to be patient with their ascent to the top of the Eastern Conference, if they lose Tuch and want to contend for a Cup in 2027, adding Coleman could be a difference making move to help them in that direction.
5. Montreal Canadiens
After a promising 2024/25 campaign, the Montreal Canadiens took another step forward this past year, and while they fell short in the Eastern Conference Finals, with a young core, it's clear this team sees themselves as Stanley Cup contenders for years to come. Despite already bringing several elite level prospects to the NHL, the Canadiens still have many to come, with the likes of Michael Hage, Alexander Zharovsky and Bryce Pickford all expected to be great players at the NHL level.
However, the Canadiens can't wait on them forever, and after making it all the way to the ECF in 2026, now may be the time for them to pull the trigger on a move to upgrade the team right now as they look to make that final push. While Coleman may not be the star they expect to land, if they get the opportunity to land the veteran 34-year-old winger, it may be a move that's in the best interest of both parties.
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