As another Buffalo Sabres season ends without making the playoffs, now for a decade straight, attention will start turning towards the offseason now that the trade deadline passed last week. After last offseason’s acquisitions of Taylor Hall and Eric Staal did not produce results, both were traded away. Now, the development of multiple young players under interim head coach Don Granato provides a potential glimpse into their future.
According to Spotrac, $46.4 million of their salary cap is allotted for next season. While a new coach should be their top priority, hitting on offseason moves is crucial for building a successful team. With many members of the Sabres due for new contracts this offseason, re-signing key pieces of their core could be crucial for the years ahead.
Sam Reinhart
After avoiding arbitration and agreeing to a 1-yr/$5.2 million deal following a 50-point season (22+28) in 69 games, Reinhart has continued to show his value. With Jack Eichel playing injured throughout the season, Reinhart has been one of the team’s best players, with 30 points (17+13) in 44 games played, despite the team struggling to consistently score until recently.
His value to the Sabres is evident, and as he heads into free agency, he should be rewarded with a deal that has a length of either four or five years and an increase in AAV (Average Annual Value). Although the cap could provide challenges, Kevyn Adams must work towards re-signing one of the Sabres’ most important players.
Linus Ullmark
In his third full season on the Sabres roster, Ullmark has played strong in net for Buffalo while also dealing with multiple injuries, compiling a 9-6-3 record, 2.63 GAA, and save percentage of .917% this season.
After agreeing to a 1-yr/$2.6 million deal after avoiding arbitration, his performance, combined with a lack of depth behind him in goal, should result in Ullmark getting re-signed by the Sabres. However, the injuries he’s suffered, which caused him to miss over two months of play over the last two seasons, will surely factor into the term and AAV for the contract Buffalo offers him this offseason.
Rasmus Dahlin
In the midst of his third NHL season, the former 1st overall pick has shown signs as to why he was one of the most highly-touted prospects heading into his draft year. With eight points (2+6) in his last ten games, Dahlin has started to hit his stride under Granato’s watch after his play over the last year saw him benched mid-game multiple times when Ralph Krueger was head coach. His contract situation is similar to Jack Eichel’s in that he will be re-signed by the Sabres, and the only curiosity is what the terms of the contract will look like for the 21-year-old blueliner.
Casey Mittlestadt
Perhaps one of their most intriguing young players, Mittlestadt’s pro career has been inconsistent, averaging five points in six games on the roster at the end of 2017-18 to finishing last season in the minors. Re-signing for 1-yr/$800k, his future in Buffalo seemed uncertain, but after Don Granato took over as head coach, his game reached new heights, and Mittlestadt has emerged as one of Buffalo’s most improved players this season.
With nine points (7+2) in his last 11 games, his development has taken great strides and should result in being re-signed by the Sabres this offseason and being a part of the organization for the future ahead.
These players are among those who the Sabres must strongly consider re-signing as Adams builds this roster after the season. With a coaching hiring also imminent, these moves could be part of an effort to finally instill a positive culture.