Buffalo Sabres: Will Craig Anderson continue his playing career?

At 40, Buffalo Sabres goaltender Craig Anderson was a hot topic at the NHL Trade Deadline, with rumors swirling the team would trade him to a contender. 

The Buffalo Sabres wanted to get younger, but they ended up selling little at the trade deadline. Only third-line defenseman Robert Hagg went elsewhere, with the Sabres acquiring a sixth-round pick in an exchange with the Florida Panthers.

So that leaves Anderson, who many figured would end his career after his one-year contract with the Sabres. That’s if the Sabres didn’t trade the goaltender to a contender beforehand, giving him a chance to finally hoist the Stanley Cup.

However, that wasn’t the case, and Anderson could not sound happier.

"“I think at the end of the day, the Buffalo Sabres want me as their goaltender right now,” Anderson said. “I think that, emotionally, is reassuring.” – via NHL.com."

Did Craig Anderson want to remain with the Buffalo Sabres?

Anderson spoke extensively with general manager Kevyn Adams in the days leading to the deadline. He made it clear that if there was an opportunity for him to contend for a Stanley Cup, he wanted to take it.

Anderson specifically mentioned South Florida, indicating a potential desire to play for the Panthers. However, it’s also possible the Tampa Bay Lightning were in the mix had they called up the Sabres. Anderson’s family lives in Florida, so a return to the region would further have given him an opportunity to win the Cup close to home.

However, Anderson was also open to remaining in Buffalo to help oversee and provide leadership to a team transitioning into one of the NHL’s youngest. And while Anderson won’t be part of the team long-term, it’s not out of the question for him to remain in Buffalo for at least another season or two. Especially since head coach Don Granato sees Anderson as a player-coach.

And with 20 seasons of NHL experience serving as a journeyman goaltender, Anderson can pass on what he’s learned to the young Sabres. So will he re-sign after his contract expires? Of course, family comes first, and it’s something Anderson stressed in a recent presser.

"“That’s going to be a family decision where we have to really sit down and have a long conversation and figure out what makes the most sense as far as from a group,” – Anderson said, via NHL.com."

With an 11-9 record, Anderson has shown he can still contribute and serve a team in many facets. And if he chooses to, it’s likely he will continue to play at a high level for years to come. Whether or not that future remains in Buffalo.