Buffalo Sabres: Offseason

Last season, Buffalo finished 3rd in the Atlantic division with 105 points.  After winning against the Panthers in six games in the first round of the playoffs, the Sabres lost to the Red Wings in five games in the 2nd round.

After losing three of the top free agents in Pavelski, Zetterberg and Chara at the start of free agency, GM Blanchard has only been able to convince Alex Lafallo to sign with the Sabres.  Since Lafallo is only expected to make the pro roster next year, help will need to come from young guys within the organization or via trades if the Sabres wish to compete in the always strong Atlantic division.

Even after losing Pavelski and Zetterberg, the Sabres still have a good core of forwards which includes guys like Wheeler, Johansen and Panarin, and veterans like Marleau and Steen.  Promising young gun Kyle Connor will be pushing hard during the preseason to prove that he deserves to start the season on the top 6.  GM Blanchard is currently shopping for a 2nd line centerman to help Johansen and Johnson but it is not the end of the world if he cannot pull the trigger on a trade as the Sabres do not expect to be a top team in the league this year.

On defense, Ekholm will likely replace Chara on the top 4.  Doughty, Weber and Brodie should complete it.  Mikhail Sergachev is expected to make the team unless the Sabres decide to start the season with a veteran like Engelland instead.

In goal, Gibson will get the majority of the starts as usual.

The Sabres do not have any 2018 picks left so GM Blanchard does not expect to be around during the draft but he would still be available via email to talk trades.

Go Sabres!