The Buffalo Sabres are heading into free agency with a lot of money, but that doesn’t mean they will be big spenders. Instead, they will spend sensibly.
Yet at the same time, it also doesn’t mean we can’t go bold with what we believe the Buffalo Sabres may do. With just 75 points last season, it’s safe to say the team remains a work in progress. However, Adams also prefers the team to go through growing pains as opposed to going all in.
Which will be, in hindsight, the right move. Let’s build through the system and supplement in free agency. The theory is that the Sabres will have its own players working its way into and through the AHL, and finally, into the NHL. Meanwhile, another influx of the organization’s own players takes their spot in the AHL, and the process continues.
With that mentality in mind, here are five bold, but somewhat sensible predictions for the Buffalo Sabres in free agency. Some, you’ll love, others you might laugh at. Let’s get started.
Buffalo Sabres free agency 2022 – Bold Prediction #1: Sabres make a run at Campbell, Kuemper
Kuemper and Campbell are two bold yet realistic options for the Sabres. While I believe Braden Holtby will be the ultimate signee here, you can expect them to at least make a run at Campbell and Kuemper.
Kuemper earned $5.5 million this season, helping guide the Colorado Avalanche to their first Stanley Cup in over 20 seasons. So you can bet he will demand a hefty payday, and that might be out of general manager Kevyn Adams’ reach. Especially since it appears Adams just wants to hit the cap floor and keep cash on hand for next season to sign a few cornerstones to extensions.
Many in the Buffalo Sabres faithful are high on Campbell. He earned $1.8 million this past season in base salary and set a career-high in games started with 49. Since his NHL debut in 2013-14, Campbell only has 135 games of experience (125 starting). This lack of experience may pose as a red flag for some.
However, his numbers are great, with a career 0.916 save percentage and 2.53 goals allowed average. But the question remains: Can he start a full season? Plus, it’s likely he will demand more pay. So while the Sabres will make their run at Kuemper and Campbell, expect them to sign someone serviceable like Braden Holtby.