Expect the Buffalo Sabres to get a goaltender in 2023 offseason
By Zach Jezioro
It appears the Buffalo Sabres will look to get a goaltender during the offseason. Here are some names who could be a target.
Last summer, the Buffalo Sabres biggest question mark was goaltending. Going into the season, Craig Anderson and Eric Comrie were the starters. At the end of the season Devon Levi, Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, Anderson, and Comrie all saw time playing.
As we speak, the Sabres now have Comrie, UPL, and Levi. Anderson retired. Ever since the offseason has ended, it seems like speculation has picked up when it comes to the future of the goaltending situation.
Friedman on Sabres/goaltending.
— The Sabre Report (@TheSabreReport) June 7, 2023
"A lot of people are talking Buffalo. I think Buffalo is going to be rumored in every goaltender deal until they say 'We're making a trade' or 'We're going with what we have'. https://t.co/0DTHNLb3BK
According to Elliotte Friedman, it seems like the Sabres will try to get a goaltender once again in the offseason. Whether it’s a trade or via free agency, it seems like they want to explore what they can get. Looking at the free agents, there are some options for the Sabres.
Obviously things can change and the names could be gone but some of the options available include Jonathan Quick, Semyon Varlamov, Frederik Andersen, and Cam Talbot are just a few goalies that the Sabres could try and sign in free agency.
Buffalo Sabres can trade for numerous goaltenders in the offseason
When it comes to the trade market, Buffalo has a couple of options as well. The biggest name that could be traded is Connor Hellebuyck. It seems like the Winnipeg Jets will be going through a rebuild and Hellebuyck has made it clear that he does not want to be part of it.
Another possibility is Carter Hart. After getting drafted in 2016, Hart has not been living up to expectations. Now it’s hard to do that when you’re playing on a bad team, but Hart was viewed as a game-changer when he was first drafted.
If Buffalo was able to get a goalie through free agency or a trade, that means they would have to let one of their current goaltenders go. He only played a few games and did pretty well, but it seems like Levi is the safe option to be on the roster.
As for Eric Comrie and Ukko Pekka Luukkonen, well their futures are a bit uncertain at the moment. Comrie is 27 years old and will be an unrestricted free agent after this upcoming season while Luukkonen is 24 years old and is set to be an restricted free agent after the 2024-25 season.
Related Story. Is Carter Hart on the Buffalo Sabres radar in 2023 offseason?. light
While I believe Buffalo should focus on improving the blue line during the regular season, goaltending should also be an option and it seems like that will be the case. We’ll see what happens as the summer goes along, but I would not be shocked if the Buffalo Sabres did in fact get a new goalie in the offseason.
Source: 32 THOUGHTS: THE PODCAST by Elliotte Friedman and Jeff Marek