Buffalo Sabres: 3 offseason moves that make perfect sense

NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - APRIL 21: Zemgus Girgensons #28 of the Buffalo Sabres looks on from the bench during the third period against the New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center on April 21, 2022 in Newark, New Jersey. The Buffalo Sabres defeated the New Jersey Devils 5-2. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - APRIL 21: Zemgus Girgensons #28 of the Buffalo Sabres looks on from the bench during the third period against the New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center on April 21, 2022 in Newark, New Jersey. The Buffalo Sabres defeated the New Jersey Devils 5-2. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
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Buffalo Sabres
BUFFALO, NY – APRIL 14: Owen Power #25 of the Buffalo Sabres playing in his home debut NHL 1st overall pick against the St. Louis Blues at KeyBank Center on April 14, 2022 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Kevin Hoffman/Getty Images)

Keep those draft picks

Let’s face it: The Sabres were so good from March 2nd to April 29th that, if you took their average points total percentage per game during the time and multiplied it by 82, you would get 102 points. Not that the Sabres would have kept that up, but it would put them in serious playoff contention.

Which makes it tempting to trade some draft picks for more accomplished players. Especially for proven talent playing for bad hockey teams. Tempting, but foolish. The Sabres are still NOT a playoff hockey team, despite the good vibes in March and April. Therefore, it is wise for the team to retain their draft picks.

In 2022, the Sabres will most likely have two picks in the top fifteen, or at worst, the top sixteen. Giving them two more chances to add game-breaking talent to a roster full of young assets. This mentality would only make the Sabres a better hockey team moving forward. They also hold the Florida Panthers first round pick from the Sam Reinhart Trade.

Overall, the offseason moves outlined above could catapult the Buffalo Sabres into legitimate contenders not just next season, but also for the next half-decade. A stopgap at goaltender provides a fine holdover for someone like a Devon Levi while an experienced defenseman would do wonders not just for Power, but for an entire group of young players.