I listed him on the third pair because that’s what he’d be here. I believe he’s listed as a top pairing on the chart because those are the types of minutes he plays, not because he actually performs as one.
Even without the numbers the eye test would show just how bad he is. He’s played far above his ability in Buffalo, and the team suffers for it.
It’s 1 year UFA for his current contract which affects this season, not his next contract you’re alluding to which will affect next season and beyond.