NHL Free Agency: Sweeping Changes Coming For The Sabres
After a 14th straight season without a playoff appearance, the Buffalo Sabres are bracing for what's expected to be a transformative offseason. Despite a late surge that included 10 wins in their final 13 games and a five-game winning streak—their longest since January 2023—the damage was done months earlier during a 13-game winless skid that buried their playoff hopes. The Sabres finished with one of the worst team save percentages in the league and ranked near the bottom in both power play and penalty kill efficiency. “We have work to do as a team,” head coach Lindy Ruff admitted, acknowledging the inconsistent play that plagued the season. “You have to take every period, every game you’re playing right now and use it as a stepping stone.”Not sure what's better, the move or the pass on this Tage Thompson goal 😳 pic.twitter.com/uxGDTr1oym— NHL (@NHL) April 2, 2025
The pressure is mounting on general manager Kevyn Adams, who just completed his fifth season without a postseason berth. Ownership’s silence has fueled speculation that changes will come to the front office or coaching staff—especially with both Adams and Ruff entering the final year of their contracts. While Adams began reshaping the roster by trading Dylan Cozens to Ottawa in exchange for Josh Norris, injuries kept Norris sidelined for most of his brief stint in Buffalo. With major restricted free agents like JJ Peterka, Bowen Byram, Jack Quinn, and Ryan McLeod due for new contracts, Adams faces a huge offseason—especially with top prospect Devon Levi still unproven and veteran James Reimer expected to turn 38 before next season.JJ Peterka, 3-0 #Sabrehood #RaiseUp pic.twitter.com/fuISKpmZit— Buffalo Hockey Moments (@SabresPlays) April 9, 2025
Complicating matters is Buffalo's reputation for rushing young players to the NHL without proper development. Aside from Jiri Kulich and possibly Peterka, most of the Sabres’ prospects have struggled with consistency or health. “We can’t do anything about that,” Ruff said of the playoff miss, “but we can work on our game.” While the team did find joy and chemistry late in the year, fans remain skeptical—attendance is near the bottom of the league, and frustration over 14 years of failure looms large.At this point, it's inevitable. A reckoning is coming for the Sabres, and it's likely coming this summer.Photo Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images...
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