Reliving the Buffalo Sabres infamous playoff drought

Lessons Learned

If the longest drought in NHL history had any good news, it was that Kevyn Adams, Terry and Kim Pegula, and Don Granato can learn from past mistakes. They say those that don’t learn from history are doomed to repeat it, so for the Buffalo Sabres brass, looking back on what didn’t work gives them a blueprint of what not to do. 

All About the Jersey stated the top lesson learned should not involve, “Selling out a team for a stud.” It’s why you didn’t see Adams make a large splash in free agency.

And perhaps the largest lesson we can learn is the infamous trickle-down effect. Regardless of whether we are talking about the Sabres, the Bills, or even an MLB or NBA franchise, everything rests at the top with ownership, and how their moves and decision-making will directly or indirectly affect their franchise’s system, draft strategy, and other roster transactions like free agency.

If you noticed anything this time around, it is that the Sabres have been conservative. They spent time building through the draft, promoting players through the system, and adding talent via free agency when they feel the need to. But adding free agents only to serve as stopgaps for when a younger player can move up and take the reins.

Assuming Pegula learned his lessons, and he should have by now, the future can be bright for the Buffalo Sabres. These past few drafts have yielded better results. There has been no reckless spending lately, and there has finally been patience with a head coach who specializes in developing talent.

Article Source: A Look at NHL Playoff Droughts Part 1: New Jersey Devils, Anaheim to Buffalo by John Fischer