Reliving the evolution of the Buffalo Sabres under Kevyn Adams
By Sion Fawkes
It’s clear that the Buffalo Sabres have turned a corner under general manager Kevyn Adams, and that should mean the playoffs in 2024.
Three years and one week ago, the Buffalo Sabres named Kevyn Adams their latest general manager. It was a job that held little value at the time, given the sheer turnover associated with it.
But, here we are in June 2023, and Adams is still firmly in charge of the Blue and Gold. And better yet, he’s still in the Queen City while we’re talking playoffs for the 2023-24 season. Yeah, funny how things change in the span of three short seasons.
You may remember, though, that Year 1 was anything but kind to Adams’ Sabres. Despite a solid draft that saw Jack Quinn and J.J. Peterka join the system, the Blue and Gold plummeted to a 15-34-7 record, good for just 37 points.
If there was any solace in the season, it came on two fronts. For one, Adams found his head coach in Don Granato. and for another, he parlayed the first overall pick into Owen Power, who would see ice time in the NHL toward the end of the 2021-22 season.
Buffalo Sabres evolved into a playoff contender under Kevyn Adams
Speaking of 2021-22, it was a year when Adams completely dismantled the roster, trading away notable players like Jack Eichel, Sam Reinhart, and Rasmus Ristolainen. From the trade came assets like Alex Tuch, Peyton Krebs, Noah Ostlund, Isak Rosen, Jiri Kulich, Devon Levi, and indirectly, Jordan Greenway. Technically, Robert Hagg was also part of the Ristolainen deal, but no one really says much about him…
Adams also proved he hired the right coach in Don Granato, who since taking over the job, practically saved Tage Thompson’s career, turned around that of Jeff Skinner’s, and removed the underachiever label from Rasmus Dahlin. Today, all three players are among the most productive at their respective positions.
This past season, we saw Casey Mittelstadt exceed even the most outrageous expectations under Granato, removing the bust label for at least a year. The only question fans ask these days is, “Who’s career will Granato turn around next?”