Dougherty didn't earn a qualifying offer from Buffalo, and will become a free agent, Mike Harrington of The Buffalo News reports.

Dougherty was dealt by the Predators to the Sabres on Monday in exchange for forward Nicholas Baptiste.

Dougherty agreed to a three-year, entry-level contract with the Predators on Friday.

Jack Dougherty fell to the Nashville Predators at the 51st overall pick in the 2014 draft. There were quite a few mock drafts that had Dougherty going in Round 1, but he dropped to a late selection in Round 2. Dougherty possesses good offensive instincts, but his defensive side is still more mature. He has become a better two-way defensemen over the past few years, in part because he's gained confidence with the puck and in his understanding of his offensive reads. An NHL scout described him as someone who is "tough to get around" on defense, and he has great gap control. Doughtery likes to play a physical, tough game and doesn't shy away from body contact, whether that's in front of the net or in the corners. While he is a smooth skater, he is not speedy, though he is intelligent and strong positionally. Dougherty is set to attend Wisconsin in the fall, a place that has churned out a number of quality NHL defensemen in recent years.