General manager Kevyn Adams has done an incredible job in shaping up the Buffalo Sabres core for long-term success, and that number is set to increase.
General manager Kevyn Adams has built and maintained what may be the most exciting and talented young core in the NHL. So far in his tenure, Adams identified elite talent and signed them for seven seasons, something we saw with Mattias Samuelsson, Tage Thompson, and Dylan Cozens.
He acquired Alex Tuch, who will likely play out his entire career in Buffalo. And now, per numerous sources, he’s on the brink of signing Rasmus Dahlin and Owen Power to long-term deals. There’s also Jeff Skinner who, after enjoying two outstanding seasons, is part of this core even if he’s substantially older than the others.
What’s more? With rising players like Jack Quinn, J.J. Peterka, Peyton Krebs, Devon Levi, and Casey Mittelstadt, Adams may not be done just yet. If we added another name or two to this group during or even before the 2023-24 season, I wouldn’t be surprised. But for now, let’s meet the top seven players who will be in Buffalo long-term.
Buffalo Sabres core for 2023 and beyond
1 – Rasmus Dahlin, D
Will sign extension
We know Rasmus Dahlin’s extension will sit somewhere between seven and eight years, probably eight, for at least $10 million. The two-way player enjoyed a breakout season in 2021-22, before he evolved into one of the NHL’s best defensemen in 2022-23, with only injuries keeping him from reaching his full potential.
2 – Jeff Skinner, LW
Signed through 2026-27
A holdover from the Jason Botterill era, Jeff Skinner signed what many felt was the worst contract not only in Buffalo Sabres, but NHL history. Funny how narratives change over a couple of years, right? Expect Skinner to continue proving doubters wrong about this once ill-fated contract.