Top 3 offseason moves the Buffalo Sabres must make for 2023-24

The Buffalo Sabres are less than 48 hours from the offseason commencing. Here are the top three moves they must make to clinch a playoff spot next year.

With the Buffalo Sabres having shown this season that they are closer to snapping their playoff drought than ever before, this could be the most important offseason in recent history. If general manager Kevyn Adams hits, don’t be surprised if the Blue and Gold are at least a wild card one year from today, so what do they need to cross that elusive playoff threshold?

While the Blue and Gold need to make more than a few moves, there are three listed below that jump out more than anything else. Let’s explore them.

3 offseason moves the Buffalo Sabres must make

1 – Find a viable goaltender

Or better yet, find a viable goaltender who can supplement for Devon Levi, who is the likely starter in 2023-24. Eric Comrie and Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen are under contract for next season, but they sputtered during pivotal times this year, and it’s likely that Adams could bring in someone to compete with them.

There is also an outside chance Craig Anderson returns at age 42. A month ago, I’d have laughed at this possibility, but if the Sabres feel Levi can start most contests, then Anderson would ride the bench for two-thirds of the season while mentoring the rookie.

2 – Sign a top four defenseman

I’ve long been a staunch proponent for Kevyn Adams’ process. Building the prospect pool through solid drafting, then inking your best youngsters to long-term deals is the only way to build success for  more than the foreseeable future. But once you’ve established the nucleus, it’s time to add the final piece(s) to the puzzle to realistically embark on that playoff run.

Enter Defenseman X, whose identity should be determined at a later date. This defenseman will likely start on the second pairing with Owen Power. They will also be a name Buffalo Sabres fans are familiar with, and one the fanbase may have even rooted against at one point or another.

The defensive rotation was off the mark several times this season. So if Adams is wise, he will make this one big move to bring Defenseman X to Buffalo.

3 – Get younger

Not long ago, I mentioned the Sabres could possibly enter 2023-24 as a younger hockey team. As it stands, Kyle Okposo, Vinnie Hinostroza, and Zemgus Girgensons may all walk following the season, and at most, I envision Buffalo bringing one of the three back, tops, most likely either Okposo or Girgensons.

This means you will see prospects from Rochester and perhaps Matt Savoie enter the scene. Jiri Kulich and Savoie most likely have the inside track here, with Lukas Rousek, Brandon Biro, and Brett Murray also likely to warrant attention.

Don’t be surprised if the average age on this team falls. But you shouldn’t see Buffalo take a step back thanks to the experience those already playing for the Blue and Gold have. Instead, the kids could improve the roster playing alongside those who are now seasoned veterans.

Source: Keys to the offseason for NHL teams, including free agency plans by Ryan S. Clark and Kristen Shilton, ESPN.com