The Buffalo Sabres have decided not to accept the one-year, $2.9 million arbitration award for winger JP Dumont, making him an unrestricted free agent. 

It's been rumored the Sabres were trying to shop Dumont, perhaps in a package deal with goalie Martin Biron, but this move makes clear there was probably no deal to be had, or at least, not one that would've made sense to the Sabres.

Losing an asset like Dumont without getting something in return hurts, but then again, the club played well during his lengthy absence due to injury last season. Obviously, Sabres management believes the team can still perform well without him.

The number of teams with cap space seeking affordable scoring wingers has shrunk in recent weeks, but expect Dumont to still attract considerable interest.

Three clubs that could top the list for his services are the Detroit Red Wings, Edmonton Oilers and Los Angeles Kings. All three are seeking offensive depth, although it remains to be seen if they'll pony up $2.9 million.