In this series, we take a look at each team and see what they’ve done over the offseason. Next up is the Buffalo Sabres.
Key additions: Michael Kesselring, Josh Doan, Alex Lyon, Justin Danforth, Conor Timmins, Zac Jones
The Sabres added some offensive and defensive depth and beefed up the right side of their blueline with the addition of Michael Kesselring. They added yet another goalie in the rotation in Alex Lyon.
Key subtractions: JJ Peterka, Sam Lafferty, Connor Clifton, Jakob Bernard-Docker
The Sabres shipped off one of their best young offensive talents JJ Peterka in a puzzling trade with the Utah Mammoth. This came reportedly after Peterka did not wish to play in Buffalo anymore due to the losing culture. This keeps the Buffalo track record going of drafting talented players just to move them before they hit their primes.
Highest draft pick: Radim Mrtka, 9th overall
Salary cap space: $13.6 million
Staff: The Sabres have surprisingly made no notable changes to their staff. Current GM Kevyn Adams took over in 2020. Last season was coach Lindy Ruff’s first year back behind the bench with the team since 2013. Buffalo has not made the playoffs since 2011. It will be curious to see where the squad goes from here as the club continues to lack a clear direction.
Other: Bowen Byram is another big name that has been on the Buffalo Sabres trade block of late. Watch out for a trade involving him at some point over the summer reminiscent of the JJ Peterka deal.
All transactions available via puck pedia
