Buffalo Sabres Season In Review
By Andrew Reis
The Buffalo Sabres gave fans tons to look forward to this season. After a disappointing year, there is more questions than answers.
After an off-season that featured Buffalo Sabres general manager Tim Murray signing star free agent forward Kyle Okposo, and acquiring defenseman Dmitry Kulikov, Sabres fans grew very optimistic about a push for the playoffs this season.
The Sabres stumbled right out the gate, with key players going down injured both before the season started, and within the opening games. Dimitry Kulikov was injured in the preseason, Evander Kane was injured in the first game, and of course Jack Eichel who didn’t play until November 29th.
More from Sabre Noise
- 3 biggest standouts at Buffalo Sabres 2023 Prospects Challenge
- 3 takeaways from the Buffalo Sabres final Prospects Challenge game
- Buffalo Sabres experiment with lesser-known talent in loss to Pens
- Buffalo Sabres 75 Bold Predictions for 2023-24: Prediction 51
- Buffalo Sabres vs. Pittsburgh: A quick look at the Penguins prospects
Injuries of course played a part in this seasons disappointment, but it cannot be the excuse by anyone apart of the franchise.
Many cracks began to show throughout this season. Sabres players began to call out members of the team to step up, but only a few players showcased this on the ice.
The concerning aspect here is to why not much changed long term. This has led to many people deciding to start pointing fingers at head coach Dan Bylsma.
Bylsma has been under fire as to why the team failed this season for various reasons. Such as the Robin Lehner pull in Toronto, and the benching of Sam Reinhart.
The Sabres issues goes far beyond just coaching.
The eyes now turn to the general manager, Tim Murray. This has the potential to be one of the biggest off-seasons for the Buffalo Sabres. With the expansion draft looming, the entry draft, and teams needing to make moves, Tim Murray will have to be active.
This season showed that the Sabres need help on defense without question. This leads to waiting for the KHL playoffs to end. Defenseman Viktor Antipen may sign with the team, but it will take more than one move to improve the team.
There is a lot to take away from this season. The Sabres show they need depth, not just on the blueline, but also at the bottom six at the forward positions.
It was also showcased that Tim Murray is not going to perfect at every move he makes, which he knows. Leaders will also need to lead by example, and the team just can’t rely on skill and youth over a full eighty-two game season.
The Sabres will need to learn quick and make moves as soon as possible.