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LeBrun: Gaustad could be fit in Detroit

Buffalo Sabres v Chicago Blackhawks

CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 18: Paul Gaustad #28 of the Buffalo Sabres looks back at the penalty box as he skates to the bench after being boarded by Jamal Mayers of the Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center on January 18, 2012 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

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Despite a recent stretch of good play, the Buffalo Sabres are still longshots to make the playoffs. Thus, the questions surrounding players like Paul Gaustad, a pending unrestricted free agent that could prove a useful rental for a Stanley Cup contender.

ESPN’s Pierre LeBrun spoke to an anonymous NHL scout about what Gaustad could bring to a team.

“He had a slow start this year, I thought, but has picked it up in the second half,” said the scout. “He’s a big guy who can grind it out -- you need those guys in the playoffs -- but I’d be careful to make sure to pair him with better skaters. He doesn’t get up and down the ice too well. But he’s a good penalty killer, a good pickup for a good team that just needs to upgrade their size on their third or fourth line.”

LeBrun thinks Gaustad would be a good fit in Detroit, where coach Mike Babcock has said he’d like to add some size up front. The Red Wings could also use some help on the penalty kill.