Sabre Noise
Fansided

Buffalo Sabres Rumors: 4 roster moves to expect this offseason – 2022

By Sion Fawkes

TORONTO, ON - APRIL 12: Craig Anderson #41 of the Buffalo Sabres keeps an eye on a high puck against the Toronto Maple Leafs during an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on April 12, 2022 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Sabres defeated the Maple Leafs 5-2. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - APRIL 12: Craig Anderson #41 of the Buffalo Sabres keeps an eye on a high puck against the Toronto Maple Leafs during an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on April 12, 2022 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Sabres defeated the Maple Leafs 5-2. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 4
Next

The Buffalo Sabres offseason is in full swing. In years’ past, it meant constant rebuilding, but in 2022, things carry a different vibe

The Buffalo Sabres are close to making their first postseason appearance in over a decade. And the 2022-23 NHL Season may be the year they break the streak. Therefore, expect the Sabres to make roster moves that they feel will put them in the best possible position to make a playoff run.

In years’ past, they were looking for two types of players: Players who could be stopgaps and players to fill other stopgaps. It was an expansion team mentality, where general managers sign patchwork veterans to hold the fort down until a potential player of the future could fill the void.

Now that they filled most stopgaps with young talent, patchwork veterans are headed to either a lower line or a backup role. So with that in mind, expect the following four roster transactions to take place in the coming weeks.

Buffalo Sabres
BUFFALO, NY – OCTOBER 14: Vinnie Hinostroza #29 of the Buffalo Sabres skates up ice with the puck as Alexander Romanov #27 of the Montreal Canadiens defends during the second period at KeyBank Center on October 14, 2021 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Kevin Hoffman/Getty Images) /

Roster Move #1: Sabres keep Hinostroza, let Eakin walk

Lance Lysowski of The Buffalo News compiled a list of free agents the Buffalo Sabres are likely to keep and to let go. Lysowski commended Sabres management when they said Jack Quinn and J.J. Peterka have practically set the group of forwards. But that also means the Sabres will get rid of a few names who have been around the organization for quite some time.

One name you can expect them to hang on to is Vinnie Hinostroza. He wasn’t flashy, but his team-first mentality and budding leadership abilities are priceless. HIs 13 goals in 62 games were his highest since 2018-19.

Cody Eakin is one player you can expect them to let walk. His average ice time has seen career lows during his time with the Sabres. And while he reached a career high in face-off win percentage this season, there are younger names on the fourth line that can fill Eakin‘s role.

Home/Free Agency