Buffalo Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams wanted to make changes to make the team more competitive -- a team that could make the playoffs. Buffalo has not made the postseason since the 2010-11 campaign and this season will likely turn out to be another miss as Adams did nothing to convince fans they are ready to make a run. He made some changes, but none that would guarantee a playoff run.
The fans of the Sabres have gotten used to that feeling of loss over the years, as they do not come close to making the playoffs. They have some quality pieces on the roster and some intriguing pieces coming through the Rochester Americans, their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate. However, with the division getting stronger this offseason, the fans wanted to see Adams really dig in and bring some talent in. He instead brought in depth for the big club and Rochester.
Added to the Sabres fold
Adams made several moves in the offseason. Players re-signing with Buffalo include defensemen Bowen Byram, Ryan Johnson, and forwards Tyson Kozak, Ryan McLeod, and Jack Quinn. Players signed as free agents include defensemen Jack Rathbone and Zac Jones, forwards Jake Lechyshyn, Juston Danforth, Mason Geertsen, and Goaltnder Alex Lyon.
Adams also made two trades. He acquired defenseman Conor Timmins and forward Isaac Belliveau from the Pittsburgh Penguins. He also acquired defenseman Michael Kesselring and forward Josh Doan for J.J. Peterka in a massive trade with the Utah Mammoth.
What do these moves mean for the Sabres?
The Sabres are going with a different look this season with plenty of roster turnover. They brought back important pieces like Byram, McLeod, and youngster Quinn. They added pieces like Geertsen, Kesselring, Doan, Danforth, and Lyon to give them a deeper and more experienced team. While this may still keep them out of the playoffs, they should be deeper at all positions and be more competitive. Unless something drastic happens and they make the playoffs, this could be another season of development for the younger players.
Adams has to consider trading for, or signing, a big piece for this roster shortly. Yes, they need depth for the big club and Rochester but the organization still wants a playoff berth. He has to see the writing on the wall and if all else fails he could be out of a job if Buffalo does not take big strides this season.