Équipe: 2022-23 Sabres de Buffalo

Date de création initiale: 19 mai 2022

Publié: 1 juin 2022

Mode - plafond salarial: Basique

Goalie--Of age and injuries

We'll lead off with a proposed trade from justaBoss with Dallas alleviating themselves of a $3.33M cap-hit over the next two seasons in the form of 36 yr. old goalie Anton Khudobin. The cost? The Stars adding in a second-round draft pick for Buffalo to take on the contract, which is very agreeable in Sabreland. The move adds $2.2M to the Sabres cap, gives them an additional second-rounder (five picks total in the first two rounds this year) while also adding a vet goalie who'll most likely be in Rochester but can come up and (hopefully) hold the fort should unfortunate and unforeseen injuries bedevil Buffalo in goal again.

In reading the tea leaves coming out of Buffalo, GM Kevyn Adams seems intent upon seeing just what they have in Ukka-Pekka Luukkonen while also looking for a backup/mentor in net. In that case, a goalie like Darcy Kuemper doesn't look like a possibility despite the Sabres having the cap space to go big (although he would/should be welcome, and might be dependent upon his injury last night and how the Avs fare moving forward). Of all the veteran backup UFA's, it's still the opinion here that former Vezina-winner and Cup-champion Brayden Holtby should be the front-runner. A nice two-year deal that far exceeds what he might get elsewhere could do the trick. Just don't expect him to play under a heavy workload should UPL continue dealing with annual injuries (hence the Khudobin trade.)


Defense--Flexibility and Experience

Buffalo needs to add a veteran defenseman. Period. Could they trade for one? Yes. Will they go the UFA route? More than likely. Will they make a big splash (Letang or Manson/Klingberg)? Highly doubtful.

The expectation is for a lower-level signing, at well above market value, with the opinion here being Ian Cole (CAR) is the best fit. Cole is a well-travelled vet with a Cup on his resume (PIT) and the ability to play either side. He's big and sturdy (even at 33 yrs. old,) can get the puck up ice and makes excellent decisions. Buffalo will be rolling with a big four up-top on the blueline and a triad of bottom-six/reserve d-men featuring two that can play either side (Cole and Jacob Bryson) along with righty Casey Fitzgerald, who brings sandpaper to the blueline.


Forward--Will more than likely be a very boring off-season up front when it comes to acquisitions as the Buffalo's prospects take center stage