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Buffalo Sabres: Top 3 rumors that won’t happen in 2023

By Sion Fawkes

Apr 11, 2023; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Winnipeg Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck (37) fights through traffic to make a save against the Minnesota Wild during the second period at at Xcel Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Nick Wosika-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 11, 2023; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Winnipeg Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck (37) fights through traffic to make a save against the Minnesota Wild during the second period at at Xcel Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Nick Wosika-USA TODAY Sports /
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The offseason is always speculation-filled, and the Buffalo Sabres are no exceptions to the rumor mill. Here are three that won’t become a reality in 2023.

General manager Kevyn Adams has been arguably the best thing to happen to the Buffalo Sabres in over a decade. He’s taken a team that was the NHL’s worst in the 2010s, built the prospect pool, traded away cornerstones from the previous regime, and methodically constructed the system with youth.

This method, along with head coach Don Granato’s knack for developing young players, turned the Sabres into a legitimate playoff contender this past season. Since the Blue and Gold missed the playoffs, it’s caused many blockbuster-like rumors to spread after the Sabres season ended in April.

But most of these rumors are those you can discard. Here are the top three.

Will the Buffalo Sabres trade for Connor Hellebuyck?
WINNIPEG, CANADA – APRIL 5: Connor Hellebuyck #37 of the Winnipeg Jets follows a rebound with Andrew Mangiapane #88 of the Calgary Flames and teammate Dylan DeMelo #2 in the third period during a game on April 5, 2023 at Canada Life Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. (Photo by Jason Halstead/Getty Images) /

Buffalo Sabres: Don’t expect these three rumors to become realities

1 – Connor Hellebuyck trade

This is one rumor I will never understand. Sure, Kevyn Adams will call the Winnipeg Jets and see what the asking price is along with at least another 16 executives, but that’s customary. Once he gets information of what Winnipeg will want for a man who will be an unrestricted free agent next season, the Hellebuyck to Buffalo rumors should fizzle soon after.

Winnipeg will want high-end prospects and perhaps even a current young player on the roster for Hellebuyck, or at least that will be the case with Buffalo. Since the 30-year-old will likely demand a contract substantially larger than the roughly $6.167 million deal he’s currently on, it would alter the “long-term success” trajectory Adams currently has this team on.

Adams’ plan has worked wonders in just three seasons. So why mortgage that on someone like Hellebuyck? There is no logic in that unless you’re building a one-year team.

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