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Changes might be coming for the Sabres

By David De Cristofaro

BUFFALO, NY - JANUARY 26: Head coach Ralph Krueger of the Buffalo Sabres watches play from the bench during the second period against the New York Rangers at KeyBank Center on January 26 , 2021 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Kevin Hoffman/Getty Images)
BUFFALO, NY - JANUARY 26: Head coach Ralph Krueger of the Buffalo Sabres watches play from the bench during the second period against the New York Rangers at KeyBank Center on January 26 , 2021 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Kevin Hoffman/Getty Images) /
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Jan 14, 2021; Buffalo, New York, USA; Buffalo Sabres head coach Ralph Krueger watches from the bench during the second period against the Washington Capitals at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 14, 2021; Buffalo, New York, USA; Buffalo Sabres head coach Ralph Krueger watches from the bench during the second period against the Washington Capitals at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports /

A coach on the hot seat

The Sabres have the talent to win, and head coach Ralph Krueger needs to do exactly that. His rotations and lines have not yielded the production for needed wins. He also does not appear to have plans to make changes based on his recent quotes, and the losses have resulted in his job performance being evaluated as the front office looks for answers. A big turnaround is needed to salvage the season, and Krueger appears more set on following the routine that has yielded the current results.

The question as to whether Krueger is part of the problem or part of the solution has now been raised by none other than Sabres GM Kevyn Adams. Still, another big question remains- If the Sabres were to part ways with Krueger, is there a better coaching candidate out there who can effectively turn the season around for Buffalo?

A trade deadline looming

The April 12th NHL trade deadline is approaching, and Buffalo is reportedly “open for business” and taking trade calls, which has reportedly included inquiries on Sam Reinhart and Eric Staal. It’s unclear at this time if or in what capacity the current economic state of payroll around the league, short-season contracts, and realigned divisions will impact the trade market- If at all. Trading Skinner and his big contract could be a possibility, presuming they found a taker- But would that make the team better?

The sizable financial pact could make it a challenge to do so and likely would not fetch a return of equal or greater value. Teams could ask for a young talent to be attached for taking the contract, which wouldn’t make it worthwhile. In fact, the best possible outcome could be making the best out of Skinner’s presence by actually putting him back in a position to succeed. The team may not want to trade any of its young talents, but flipping some line players for one’s more compatible to the Sabres players and their styles could help. Or taking on a contract of a player from a cap-strapped team in return for compatible talent.

One idea that has been floated, and also one that is sounding better by the day as the win-loss column grows more disproportionate, is to trade for a strong veteran goalkeeper. Keeping the other team from scoring is half the battle, and if you look back over the final scores of games so far this season, a save or two could have made a direct difference in the outcomes.

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