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Buffalo Sabres: What is the right decision at goaltender?

By Sion Fawkes

Apr 10, 2022; Tampa, Florida, USA; Buffalo Sabres goaltender Craig Anderson (41) looks on against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the third period at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 10, 2022; Tampa, Florida, USA; Buffalo Sabres goaltender Craig Anderson (41) looks on against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the third period at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Buffalo Sabres had plenty of goaltender issues in 2021-22 and those issues do not seem to be going anywhere in the current state of things. 

The Buffalo Sabres can go a few directions to solve their woes at goaltender. Neither Craig Anderson nor Dustin Tokarski were long-term fixes, despite their putting up solid performances. And there are no guarantees they will return in 2022-23.

In 2021-22, the Sabres had a revolving door that included stints from Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, Michael Houser, Aaron Dell, and Malcolm Subban. Of the bunch, Luukkonen was the most productive. But an injury sidelined him before he was assigned him to the Rochester Americans.

The Sabres will also get no help from prospects Devon Levi or Erik Portillo. Both goalies will return to Northeastern and Michigan, respectively, to pursue a National Championship.

What should the Buffalo Sabres do at goaltender?

The best and most logical case would be to bring back Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen who, despite struggles, turned things around in Rochester. Including the 3-2 overtime loss against the Utica Comets, Luukkonen has a 4-2-2 record and a .915 save percentage over the past eight games.

While Luukkonen is the Sabres most logical case, he must re-sign with the organization and prove his weak outings earlier in the season were outliers. Despite Luukkonen’s lackluster performances, he did perform well when the Sabres recalled him earlier in the season.

Craig Anderson thrived in the net, posting a 17-12-2 record this season in what is his best outing since 2017-18. But he will be 41 in May and this might be his last season. Dustin Tokarski did some good things, but he is and always has been a backup.

The Sabres may opt for two more stopgaps in free agency if Anderson, Luukkonen, and Tokarski go. Someone who is middle-aged in hockey years that can win games and won’t cost a fortune to keep around is ideal.

Jack Campbell is one name that jumps out. Scott Wedgewood of the Dallas Stars is also in the last year of his contract and he would make an excellent consolation.

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They could also look to the NHL Draft. But it is tough for foresee any goaltender in this year’s class as NHL-ready. So expect the Sabres to either try and re-sign their own talent or look to free agency once more.

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