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Buffalo Sabres: 5 logical predictions as draft, free agency looms – 2022

By Sion Fawkes

NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - OCTOBER 23: Victor Olofsson #71 of the Buffalo Sabres in action against the New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center on October 23, 2021 in Newark, New Jersey. The Devils defeated the Sabres 2-1 in overtime. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - OCTOBER 23: Victor Olofsson #71 of the Buffalo Sabres in action against the New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center on October 23, 2021 in Newark, New Jersey. The Devils defeated the Sabres 2-1 in overtime. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /
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Buffalo Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams provided clarity earlier this week for the offseason when he traded for Ben Bishop’s contract.

The chaotic predictions phase for the Buffalo Sabres offseason has ended with the trade for Ben Bishop’s contract. At least for this week, but of course, that may change.

While we know Adams wants to and probably will sign a veteran defenseman, it is highly unlikely someone pricey like Kris Letang comes along. The Sabres also need goaltenders. But with Bishop’s contract now in Buffalo, it indicates Adams is looking to simply reach the cap floor this season. Meaning we probably won’t see a blockbuster signing in 2022-23.

Again, this could change in time. But given the trade for Bishop’s contract, Adams is most likely taking the route where the Buffalo Sabres keep their own players and sign on an as-needed basis. Here are five logical predictions.

EDMONTON, ALBERTA – JUNE 04: Evander Kane #91 of the Edmonton Oilers against Josh Manson #42 of the Colorado Avalanche in the second period in Game Three of the Western Conference Final of the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Rogers Place on June 04, 2022 in Edmonton, Alberta. (Photo by Codie McLachlan/Getty Images)
EDMONTON, ALBERTA – JUNE 04: Evander Kane #91 of the Edmonton Oilers against Josh Manson #42 of the Colorado Avalanche in the second period in Game Three of the Western Conference Final of the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Rogers Place on June 04, 2022 in Edmonton, Alberta. (Photo by Codie McLachlan/Getty Images) /

Offseason prediction #1: Buffalo Sabres sign a veteran defenseman

P.K. Subban and Kris Letang are the top two unrestricted free agent defensemen this season. But don’t expect Adams to sign either of them. Instead, look for a more affordable option in the $2 million to $3 million range. Someone like a Justin Braun on the low end or Ian Cole on the high end.

However, Adams could even seek out help in the $3 million to $4 million range. One name at the high end that stands out is Josh Manson of the Colorado Avalanche. Manson makes for an outstanding physical presence, having logged 179 hits and 70 blocks in 67 regular season games.

A guy like Manson would serve as an experienced complement to Owen Power in 2022-23. And at 31, he is still young enough to man the second line with Power for more than one season if his services are needed.

Or, he can take a spot on the third pairing with either Casey Fitzgerald or Jacob Bryson, assuming the latter returns. Manson is a versatile player that is also a fair scorer for a defenseman.

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