Buffalo Sabres Roundtable: Building Next Season’s Roster

Apr 8, 2015; Columbus, OH, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs goalie James Reimer (34) against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena. The Jackets won 5-0. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

Jacob Stroyzk, Staff Writer

As far as next season is concerned, there needs to be a legitimate run made towards the playoffs. That being said, the Sabres need to be aggressive in their free agency strategy, and must acquire a few missing veteran pieces; perhaps by trade.

The free agent market this year will be a little thin with super skilled talents, but the Sabres are not looking for that right now. After the Evander Kane trade, Murray needs to place his focus on the real issue, goaltending.

Anders Lindback is not the premier goaltender that will take Buffalo far into the playoffs, but he would function as a capable backup. A potential move that could be made is in a trade with the rebuilding Toronto Maple Leafs.

Since they are having a full fire sale in the Leafs organization, that leaves almost anyone up for grabs, including their goaltenders. At points of their careers, both Jonathan Bernier and James Reimer were considered to be solid number one goalie potential. Both have fallen from that grace.

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Bernier I never had faith in to be a starter due to the fact that most of his great games were placed on the shoulders of the LA Kings defense. Reimer never really got a shot at the starting position and his lack of consistent starts inhibited his playing. If the Buffalo Sabres were to make a move for a goaltender, James Reimer for a couple of second round picks and/or one of the less developed prospects in the system would be a good idea.

Additions that could be worth throwing a little extra money their way would be the likes of Mike Green and Cody Franson. Both of these players are veteran blue liners, and Green in particular used to be a top tier offensive-defenseman. Adding Green would boost the offense while also having a new mentor for Rasmus Ristolainen, while adding Franson (who is only 27) would add more defensive depth to an already steady core.

The Buffalo Sabres have plenty of expendable draft picks they have accumulated over the past few seasons and could make a move on a veteran player to help stem the tide of youth, and bring in a goaltender that can win the Buffalo Sabres some hockey games.

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