OPINION: State of the Sabres

The big move many were expecting the Sabres to make this offseason never came, but that doesn't mean Kevyn Adams has failed his job of improving the roster

Buffalo, N.Y. (WGR Sports Radio 550) - First, there was the dismissal of head coach Don Granato. Then there was the return of Lindy Ruff, the all time winningest coach in Buffalo Sabres history.

Two big moves made by general manager Kevyn Adams, for sure.

But the big move that probably many of you, including myself, were expecting this offseason never came. At least not yet, anyway.

I thought the Sabres' offseason would include the addition of an impact forward, an offensively talented player with NHL experience who would strengthen the top-six group. However, the big name player went out (Jeff Skinner) instead of coming in.

There is no question Adams took care of some needs by overhauling the bottom-six forwards. He has helped improved the Sabres' team speed, physicality, penalty killing and faceoffs.

But will those moves be enough to help the Sabres end their National Hockey League record 13-year playoff drought?

In all likelihood, the Sabres' 2024-25 season will come down to the performance of the top-six forwards, three of whom need to have bounce-back seasons.

As much as I liked Granato, I think the Sabres will be a better coached team with Ruff in charge. Adams felt the team needed some accountability, and there is no doubt in my mind Ruff will be able to establish that.

The goaltending is set with Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and Devon Levi.

The defense has a very good looking top-four with Rasmus Dahlin, Owen Power, Bowen Byram and Mattias Samuelsson. However, they really could use an injury-free season from Samuelsson, who has played in just over half of their games over the last three years.

The Sabres could also use a more consistent, game-in, game-out showing from Connor Clifton in his second campaign in the blue and gold.

Which brings me back to the forward group.

The Sabres went from one of the top offensive teams in the NHL two years ago to a club that finished 24th in goals per-game last season. A below average power play was partly to blame, but a few of the key forwards saw their numbers take a plunge.

Tage Thompson went from 47 goals and 94 points to just 29 goals and 56 points. In his defense, Thompson played hurt through large parts of the season, and did miss seven games.

Alex Tuch, who has been the best part of the Jack Eichel trade, went from 36 goals and 79 points to 22 goals and 59 points.

Dylan Cozens had a breakthrough 2022-23 season with 31 goals and 68 points, but recorded 13 fewer goals and 21 fewer points last season.

Thompson, Tuch and Cozens combined for 45 fewer goals and 79 less points.

All three need to show their form from two years ago to help make up for the loss of 38 goals and 93 points recorded by Skinner and Casey Mittelstadt last season. Those two ended up sixth and seventh in scoring for the Sabres, and that was with Skinner having a down year and Mittelstadt playing in just 62 games before being traded to the Colorado Avalanche for Byram.

Perhaps Adams wasn't desperate to add an impact forward, because he expects those three will bounce back, and anticipates more growth from some key youngsters like JJ Peterka, Jack Quinn and Zach Benson.

Peterka had a terrific second season in the NHL, seeing his goal total go from 12 up to 28. His point total also increased from 32 to 50.

Quinn definitely had an impact on the offense once he returned from his Achilles injury. Two years ago, Quinn had 14 goals and 37 points in 75 games. In only 27 games last season, Quinn recorded nine goals and 19 points.

Benson surprised many by making the team right out of training camp, and he certainly showed promise while exhibiting a flair for playmaking and a good pair of hands. Benson can absolutely improve on his 11-goal, 30-point campaign from last season.

I do like the trade for Ryan McLeod, which should give the Sabres a third line center with some offensive upside. Although he has averaged only 10 goals over his last three years in Edmonton, McLeod will help on the penalty kill and in the faceoff department.

I'm not sure how many goals the new-look fourth line of Sam Lafferty, Nicolas Aube-Kubel and Beck Malenstyn will bring, but they will give the Sabres a more well-rounded roster overall.

The X factor in the offseason acquisitions could end up being veteran winger Jason Zucker.

Zucker has registered six seasons of 20 goals or more, but has hit that mark only one time in the last four years. If Zucker gets his scoring touch back, he can be a nice addition to the top-six.

As to ending the playoff drought, I think we can forget about finishing top-three in the Atlantic Division. That would seem to be a pipe dream when you remember the Sabres finished in sixth place last season. They were seven points behind the Detroit Red Wings (5th), 14 points back of the Tampa Bay Lightning (4th) and 18 points away from the Toronto Maple Leafs in the third and final divisional spot.

So how about that Wild Card berth?

Last season, Tampa Bay was the top Wild Card team, while the Washington Capitals grabbed the second spot out of the Metropolitan Division. The Sabres were seven points behind the Capitals, but there were three other teams ahead of Buffalo.

While I'm not blown away and super excited by the offseason moves from Adams, I do believe he has given Ruff a better roster than Granato had last season.

Only time will tell.

Photo credit Losi & Gangi
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