Buffalo Sabres: 5 logical predictions as draft, free agency looms – 2022
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.
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.
Sabres re-sign two goaltenders
Many are hoping the Buffalo Sabres go out and sign at least one goaltender. And they very well may. However, Adams has stated he wants either Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen or Devon Levi (still unsigned) as his goaltenders of the future.
This means he will at least give them a chance to prove themselves at NHL level. While Luukkonen has some NHL experience, he has struggled with injuries and inconsistencies. This doesn’t seem to deter Adams, and it is likely he will open training camp as the team’s top goaltender. Look for him to re-sign with the organization.
Adams will then either sign a projected backup goaltender or he will look to re-sign either Craig Anderson or Dustin Tokarski. Anderson is the top priority, but at 41, he may hang up the skates. Tokarski has never stuck on an NHL roster, but he played well enough last season to at least warrant consideration.
Buffalo Sabres hold their three first-round picks
While it is possible Adams packages a pick or two and either trades up for a higher-ranked talent or pulls off a blockbuster trade for a goaltender or defenseman, it is more logical to expect he keeps all three first-round picks. Which at the end of the day, is the long view, the right view.
Reaching the cap floor now puts the Sabres in excellent position to sit back, let the younger talent play on their current contracts, then evaluate and see who he wants to stick around or send packing. And the best way to do this is to build through the draft, where most prospects will continue with their junior teams or college teams before they sign.
The Sabres also have a number of intriguing prospects in the pipeline who signed their entry-level contracts. Adams will prioritize them, the team’s three first-round picks, and prospects drafted in the later rounds this season.
Buffalo Sabres lock up Victor Olofsson
For a while, it looked as though Victor Olofsson was on his way out. Following two moderately productive seasons, Olofsson jumped out of the gate in October 2021, only to suffer a wrist injury. He returned in November and did not look like the same player, going scoreless until mid-February.
Then he scored 28 points in 33 games. Olofsson earned a contract extension, especially given his steady production that dated back to the 2019-20 season. Look for Adams to sign the winger in a contract that will turn him into one of hopefully many franchise cornerstones.
Many might predict Adams to extend Tage Thompson as well. However, Thompson has yet to string together back-to-back productive seasons. Until Thompson manages to do this, it’s hard to expect serious contract negotiations to take place.
Buffalo Sabres re-sign their own players
No, they won’t re-sign the ransom. I’d expect players like Cody Eakin, Will Butcher, and Mark Pysyk to look elsewhere despite the fact Pysyk is a fan favorite in Buffalo. But, if the Sabres were to re-sign one defenseman, I’d project Colin Miller given his ability to produce – 42 blocks/50 hits in 38 games, plus 14 points.
I would expect team players and role players to return. Vinnie Hinostroza appears to be a shoo-in, as does John Hayden. Hinostroza could man the third line if needed, but he’d be best in a rotational role long-term. Especially with players like J.J. Peterka and Jack Quinn projected to rise through the ranks.
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As for Hayden, he is a hard hitter who can give you between 45 and 55 games per season against some of the NHL’s most physical teams. Re-signing guys like Hayden and Hinostroza won’t break the bank, and they also have sound chemistry with the rest of the Sabres roster.
(Statistics provided by Hockey-Reference)